The Council of Europe Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026 will bring young activists and youth civil society representatives together in Strasbourg to strengthen skills in human rights advocacy, democratic participation and policy engagement. The Council of Europe will cover travel and visa costs, while accommodation and meals are provided for selected participants. Applications close on 14 August 2026.
Young activists and representatives of youth civil society organizations have an opportunity to participate in the Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026, organized by the Council of Europe Youth Department.
The training course is designed to strengthen the ability of young people and youth organizations to advocate for human rights and democracy and to participate more effectively in policy and decision-making processes at local, national and international levels.
The programme will take place at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg and will run from 27 September to 4 October 2026, including arrival and departure dates.
Background & Job Description
The Council of Europe Youth Department is organizing the third edition of the Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights training course within the framework of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project.
The initiative responds to the needs of youth civil society and seeks to help young activists make greater use of their capacity to influence policy and politics.
The programme focuses particularly on strengthening youth participation in democratic processes and supporting advocacy for the implementation and expansion of Council of Europe standards at national and local levels.
Participants will be introduced to the Council of Europe, its institutions and its standards relating to democracy, human rights and youth participation.
The training also provides an opportunity for participants to learn from one another, explore examples of good advocacy practices and develop practical approaches for working with decision-makers and youth participation structures.
The course takes place alongside a plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, providing participants with an opportunity to connect their learning with broader democratic and institutional processes.
Tasks
The training programme is focused on developing participants’ knowledge, skills and practical capacity rather than employment responsibilities.
During the course, participants will be expected to engage in learning, discussion, collaboration and advocacy development activities.
The key objectives include:
- Becoming familiar with the Council of Europe, its institutions and standards concerning democracy, human rights and youth participation.
- Developing competencies in human rights-based advocacy.
- Strengthening the ability to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies.
- Sharing experiences and learning from examples of good practice in human rights and democracy advocacy.
- Exploring structures for youth participation in decision-making.
- Learning approaches for working effectively with decision-makers.
- Connecting participants with the work of the Council of Europe Youth Department.
- Supporting the objectives of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project.
- Developing common advocacy initiatives and actions.
The programme particularly supports advocacy aimed at enhancing youth participation in elections, removing barriers to young people standing for election and securing structures for youth participation in decision-making.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
The supplied announcement does not specify a particular academic qualification, university degree or professional certification as an eligibility requirement.
Instead, the training course is aimed at youth civil society and young activists interested in democracy, human rights, youth participation and advocacy.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate a relevant interest or involvement in these areas and carefully review the official concept note and application requirements before applying.
Experience
The announcement does not provide a specific minimum number of years of professional experience.
The course is intended to develop the competencies of young activists and youth civil society representatives, particularly those who want to strengthen their capacity to advocate for human rights and democratic participation.
Applicants who are actively involved in youth participation, civil society, democracy, human rights advocacy or related initiatives may find the training particularly relevant.
Additional Information
The training course will be held at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg from 27 September to 4 October 2026, including the arrival and departure dates.
One of the major benefits of the opportunity is that the Council of Europe will cover travel and visa costs in accordance with its rules. Selected participants will also receive accommodation and meals at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.
This makes the programme a valuable opportunity for eligible young activists who want to gain international exposure without having to independently cover the main participation-related expenses.
The course is organized by the Council of Europe Youth Department as part of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project.
Applicants should note that the application deadline is 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time. Applications must be submitted online.
Because the announcement identifies a specific deadline and the available places are expected to be limited, interested applicants should prepare their application and supporting information well before the closing time.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online through the official Council of Europe Youth Department application process.
Apply for the Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course
Applicants should also review the official concept note and application instructions to confirm the participation requirements before submitting their application.
The deadline is 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.
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