Study Session “Local Youth Councils as Advocates for Democracy”

Between 23–29 November, 25 young leaders from 21 countries came together at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg 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, the week-long programme empowered young people engaged in youth-policy advocacy to strengthen local youth councils and foster participatory democracy. Through interactive workshops, peer-learning, and practical tools like the Quality Charter for Local Youth Councils and Toolkit for upgrading youth councils, participants explored advocacy, youth participation, and quality development of local youth structures. Participants also 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.