The Council of Europe Youth Department is inviting applications for the third edition of the Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course, which will take place at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg, France, from 27 September to 4 October 2026.

Organized under the Youth Revitalising Democracy Project, this fully funded international training programme is designed to strengthen the advocacy skills of young activists, youth leaders, and members of youth civil society organizations who are committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and meaningful youth participation in public decision-making.

The training course will be held alongside the Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, providing participants with a unique opportunity to gain insights into democratic institutions while learning practical advocacy strategies from experts and peers.

If you are passionate about advancing democratic values, protecting human rights, and increasing youth participation in governance, this is an excellent opportunity to build your skills, expand your network, and contribute to positive democratic change.

About the Training Course

The Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course forms part of the Council of Europe Youth Department’s broader efforts to strengthen youth engagement in democratic life.

The programme recognizes that young people and youth organizations play an essential role in promoting democracy, defending human rights, and ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in policy-making at local, national, and international levels.

Through interactive learning, practical exercises, peer exchange, and engagement with Council of Europe institutions, participants will strengthen their ability to design and implement effective advocacy initiatives that promote democratic participation and human rights.

The course also contributes directly to the objectives of the Youth Revitalising Democracy Project, which seeks to remove barriers to youth participation in politics and strengthen structures that enable young people to influence public decision-making.

Aim of the Programme

The primary aim of the training course is to strengthen the competencies of youth civil society representatives and young activists in advocating for:

Democracy
Human rights
Youth participation
Implementation of Council of Europe standards
Inclusive public policies
Youth representation in decision-making processes

Participants will also explore ways to integrate youth perspectives across the work of the Council of Europe while promoting democratic values within their own communities and countries.

Objectives of the Training Course

Throughout the programme, participants will work toward achieving several important learning objectives, including:

1. Understanding the Council of Europe

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

The Council of Europe
Its institutions
Democratic governance structures
Human rights standards
Youth participation mechanisms

2. Strengthening Advocacy Skills

The programme will help participants:

Develop human rights-based advocacy skills.
Design effective advocacy strategies.
Plan advocacy campaigns.
Build practical advocacy competencies.
Influence policy processes.

3. Learning from Good Practices

Participants will exchange experiences and learn from successful examples of:

Human rights advocacy
Democratic participation
Youth engagement
Civic activism
Collaboration with policymakers
Youth participation structures

4. Engaging with the Youth Revitalising Democracy Project

The training will introduce participants to the ongoing work of the Council of Europe Youth Department and provide opportunities to contribute to future initiatives under the Youth Revitalising Democracy Project.

5. Developing Joint Advocacy Initiatives

Participants will collaborate to design common advocacy actions that contribute to:

Increasing youth participation in elections.
Removing barriers preventing young people from running for public office.
Strengthening youth participation in democratic decision-making.
Expanding the implementation of Council of Europe democratic standards.

What Participants Will Learn

The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development.

Participants can expect sessions covering topics such as:

Democracy and democratic institutions
Human rights advocacy
Youth participation in governance
Policy influence
Advocacy strategy development
Campaign planning
Working with decision-makers
Coalition building
Civic engagement
Peer learning and networking

Practical Information

The training course will take place:

Venue

European Youth Centre Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France

Programme Dates

27 September – 4 October 2026

The programme dates include both arrival and departure days.

Financial Support

The Council of Europe will cover participants’ major programme expenses in accordance with its financial regulations.

Support includes:

Travel costs
Visa expenses
Accommodation
Meals during the programme

This financial support enables selected participants to fully engage in the learning experience without worrying about major participation costs.

Why You Should Apply

Participating in this programme provides an opportunity to:

Develop advanced advocacy skills.
Strengthen your understanding of democracy and human rights.
Learn directly from Council of Europe experts.
Connect with youth leaders from different countries.
Exchange experiences with fellow activists.
Expand your international professional network.
Contribute to future democratic initiatives.
Become part of the Council of Europe’s youth engagement efforts.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is particularly suitable for:

Young activists
Youth advocates
Human rights defenders
Youth organization representatives
Civil society actors
Youth workers
Democracy promoters
Community organizers
Emerging youth leaders

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and strengthening youth participation in public life.

Application Process

Interested applicants must complete the official online application form before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Application Deadline	14 August 2026 (14:00 Strasbourg Time)
Training Course	27 September – 4 October 2026

For More Information

Applicants are encouraged to visit the official Council of Europe Youth Department webpage to access the concept note, review the full eligibility requirements, and complete the online application form.

The official page also provides detailed information about the programme objectives, participant profile, financial arrangements, and application process.

For any additional questions regarding the programme or the application process, prospective applicants should contact the Council of Europe Youth Department .

Conclusion

The Council of Europe Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for young activists and civil society leaders to strengthen their advocacy skills, deepen their understanding of democratic governance and human rights, and join an international network of committed changemakers. With travel, accommodation, meals, and visa costs covered, participants can fully focus on learning, networking, and developing practical advocacy initiatives that promote democracy and youth participation. If you are passionate about creating positive democratic change, be sure to submit your application before the 14 August 2026 deadline.

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