Study Session “Youth Democracy Academy for young policy-makers” at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg (EYCS) Activity The Study Session “Youth Democracy Academy for young policy-makers” organised by DYPALL Network in co-operation with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, took place from October 27th to November 1st at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg (EYCS), France. The Study Session aimed to empower participants with skills to revitalise democracy and effectively engage young people in participatory processes at the local level. It brought together 20 young people from 16 Council of Europe member states, including members of local youth councils and political parties, youth leaders, municipal workers and elected representatives. The activity was based on non-formal education approach and was delivered through various sessions conducted using different methods, such as simulations, role plays, plenary discussions, presentations and group exercises. Throughout the week, participants delved into the concepts of democracy and youth participation, reflecting on current opportunities and threats to democracy and how they can actively address these challenges at the local level. They had the chance to examine their own practices of youth participation and also explore unconventional and innovative methods of youth consultation. The Study Session concluded by focusing on the criteria and indicators that make quality local youth councils. Participants implemented the “Quality Charter on participatory and Inclusive Local Youth Councils” assessment tool developed by DYPALL Network, designed to evaluate the structure and functioning of Local Youth Councils (LYCs) with a focus on enhancing their participatory and inclusive nature and increasing their impact. One of the main outcomes of the Study Session was the creation of a comprehensive mind map based on the inputs acquired during the week, along with the planning of follow-up actions and the reflection on the key first step to take to build a support network for LYCs which will be launched and sustained as a follow-up of the activity by DYPALL Network in December. The programme also included the following insightful moments: A plenary discussion on Co-management Structures and the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy: Participants had the opportunity to hear insights and engage in an open dialogue with the experts Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe and Eva Kotnik, member of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe. A presentation on Youth Against Racism – Empowering Chance in Our Communities: Led by the guest speaker Serpil Temiz Unvar, which provided an interactive dialogue and unique opportunity for young participants to learn from an impactful voice in anti-racism advocacy and human rights at both local and European levels, emphasizing the role of youth in building inclusive communities and how participation can have many shapes and make an impact in different ways. A presentation on the European Youth Foundation (EYF): Participants discovered opportunities to actively develop their local plans to instigate significant changes in their communities concerning democracy. A visit to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities: This visit enabled the exchange of good practices and increased participants’ understanding of Congress’ contribution to youth participation and youth policy-making. The activity successfully achieved its aim of empowering young policy-makers with the competencies and tools to engage and represent youth in decision-making processes. In doing so, it directly aligned with DYPALL Network’s both short-term and long-term objectives and priorities, fostering growth in youth involvement within local governance structures.