The Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy is an annual gathering of leaders, decision-makers, civil society activists, representatives of business, social innovators, academia, and media to debate key challenges for democracies worldwide and encourage democratic innovation.

“Democracy=Peace” is the theme of the World Forum for Democracy taking place from 6 to 8 November 2023 in Strasbourg, France.

In this context, the Youth Department of the Council of Europe is inviting up to 60 young people to participate and engage with decision-makers and opinion-formers in a reflection on the question of Democracy and Peace: “Can democracy guarantee and deliver peace?”.

 

Who can apply

Eligible candidates should:

– Be aged 18-30 (exceptions can be made in special cases); 

– Be able to communicate and work in English;

– Be actively involved in civil society democracy initiatives;

– Be motivated to contribute to developing new ideas on peace and democracy;

– Be ready to share their own challenges faced in relation to democracy and peace;

– Be ready to adopt a solution-oriented approach by bringing in new ideas and visions on the question of democracy and peace;

– Be available to participate fully in the World Forum for Democracy and the preparation process beforehand

 

How to apply

All candidates must submit an online application form.

They should also post a short 1-minute video on YouTube, with the link attached to the online application form.

The video should tell the entrants’ motivation to attend the WFD. If the link to the video is not accessible the application will not be considered. If for reasons of personal security candidates do not wish to post on a public platform then the secretariat should be contacted before the deadline at WFDYouth@coe.int.

Please note that selected participants requiring a visa to come to Strasbourg will need to start visa procedures immediately after being informed of their selection.

 

Working language

The common working language of the event will be English.

 

Travel expenses

Travel expenses and visa costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of the relevant receipts, according to the rules of the Council of Europe.

Board and lodging are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe (arrival on 3^rd November and departure on 9^th November).

Participants will be accommodated at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg (EYCS).

 

Deadline: 12 July 2023, 13:00 CEST. 

 

Read more here.