Study Session “Local Youth Councils as Advocates for Democracy” in Strasbourg

Between the 23rd and the 29th of November 2025, 25 young people aged 16 to 25 from 21 countries from Europe and beyond gathered for the study session “Local Youth Councils as Advocates for Democracy” organised by DYPALL Network in collaboration with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France.

The study session brought together representatives of local youth councils and young people engaged in youth-policy advocacy to work on improving the quality of participatory youth structures by strengthening the capacity of Local Youth Councils and similar bodies, and providing a comprehensive framework of standards and tools that support the participatory, inclusive, and sustainable functioning of local youth councils.

The study session guided participants through key themes of advocacy, youth participation, and the quality development of Local Youth Councils. Through interactive workshops and peer-learning activities, young people strengthened their communication, advocacy and soft skills. They explored practical tools such as the Qualitative Guidelines for mechanisms of youth engagement, Quality Charter on participatory and inclusive LYCs, die User guide for the Quality Charter und die Toolkit zur Aufwertung lokaler Jugendräte und other resources presenting best practices of youth participation around Europe developed by DYPALL Network. 

The programme also encouraged stronger cooperation within the European Network of Local Youth Councils (ENLYC), creating space for sharing experiences and fostering intercultural understanding. In addition, participants explored the Council of Europe’s approach to youth participation, engaging with its manuals, co-management system, and the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People.

A highlight of the study session was the visit to the Palais d’Europe and the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the Congress of the Local and Regional Authorities. During this exchange, the participants had the chance to learn more and ask questions of Veronique Bertholle, Thematic Spokesperson on Youth and Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, as well as Maren Lambrecht, Secretary of the Committee on Social Inclusion and Human Dignity.

A special highlight of the programme was the guest lecture by İlayda Nijhar-Minet, a government affairs expert and elected local councillor in London. Drawing from her professional and political experience, İlayda offered concrete examples of how young people can influence policy, navigate institutional structures, and design effective advocacy campaigns. Her session, “Advocacy in Politics: Linking Local Action to European Impact,” provided participants with practical strategies directly applicable to their work in Local Youth Councils. The following days involved practical, hands-on work. On Thursday, the day began with an interactive soft-skills workshop, in which participants tested communication and collaboration tools through role-play and group exercises. The session on creating effective Local Youth Council checklists encouraged reflection on their own structures and the identification of concrete areas for improvement. In the afternoon, Ilayda Nijhar demonstrated how local action connects to European influence, bringing advocacy to life, before the day ended with a visual reflection session capturing the key lessons learned.

On Friday, the focus shifted towards an institutional perspective. The morning session with Emma Wedner provided clear and relatable insights into co-management and the role of the Advisory Council. This was followed by an exploration of the New European Charter on Youth Participation with Anca-Ruxandra Pandea. Participants discussed its renewed ambitions and how it can guide local implementation, alongside funding opportunities introduced by the European Youth Foundation, by Beata Owsiana. The programme concluded with a collaborative ENLYC workshop where young people explored ways to strengthen and engage with the network going forward.

Together, these activities supported the overall goal of empowering young people to advocate more effectively and contribute to stronger, more inclusive local youth councils.