The Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights 2026 training course is organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department for youth civil society representatives and young activists. It will take place at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg, with the residential programme running from 28 September to 3 October 2026. Travel and visa costs are covered according to Council of Europe rules, while accommodation and meals are provided. Applications must be completed by 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights
Category: Training Course
Organiser: Council of Europe Youth Department
Location: European Youth Centre Strasbourg
Training Dates: 28 September–3 October 2026
Arrival/Departure Dates: 27 September–4 October 2026
Participants: Up to 30
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time
About the Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights 2026 Training Course
The Council of Europe Youth Department is organising the third edition of the Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights training course.
The activity forms part of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project. It responds to the needs of youth civil society to strengthen its capacity to influence policy and politics at local, national and international levels.
The training course also takes place in parallel with a plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Participants will have opportunities to engage with Council of Europe experts, interact with PACE members and attend PACE sessions.
You may like: 24th Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 in Mongolia
Aim and Objectives
The training course aims to strengthen the competences of youth civil society and young activists in advocacy for human rights and democracy. It also focuses on integrating a youth perspective into Council of Europe work and supporting the implementation of Council of Europe standards at national and local levels.
The programme aims to:
✓ Familiarise participants with the Council of Europe, its institutions and standards concerning democracy, human rights and youth participation
✓ Develop competences in human rights-based advocacy
✓ Strengthen participants’ capacity to design and implement advocacy strategies and practices
✓ Create opportunities for mutual learning and exchange of good practices
✓ Explore structures for youth participation in decision-making
✓ Strengthen cooperation with decision-makers
✓ Connect participants with the Youth Revitalising Democracy project
✓ Support the development of common advocacy initiatives and actions
The course also addresses youth participation in elections, barriers to young people standing in elections and structures that enable young people to participate in decision-making.
Training Methodology and Programme
The training uses approaches based on democratic citizenship and human rights education.
It is designed as a mutual learning and sharing experience. Participants will take part in practical activities while engaging with experts from Council of Europe institutions and sectors.
The programme will help participants understand how to advocate on youth-related issues within the Council of Europe and how to promote Council of Europe standards at national and local levels.
Its timing alongside the Parliamentary Assembly plenary session will also provide opportunities to engage with members of PACE and attend relevant sessions.
Recommended: Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter 2026 in Strasbourg
Who Can Apply?
The training course is designed for applicants who match the participant profile established by the Council of Europe.
Candidates should:
• Be aged between 18 and 30 years; exceptions may be made when justified.
• Represent national youth councils, international youth organisations or networks, or other youth civil society structures.
• Applicants may also represent local or regional youth councils or youth branches of political parties.
• Be motivated to strengthen advocacy towards and cooperation with the Council of Europe.
• Hold a leadership position in their organisation that enables follow-up through advocacy campaigns or initiatives.
• Be committed to Council of Europe values, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
• Be committed to youth participation and interested in taking further action.
• Be motivated and able to participate in the entire training course and its follow-up.
• Be able to work autonomously in English.
• Be resident in one of the state parties to the European Cultural Convention; exceptions may be made when justified.
The Council of Europe welcomes applications from candidates who meet the specific profile regardless of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation.
Financial and Practical Support
The Council of Europe provides financial and practical assistance for selected participants.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Travel expenses reimbursed according to Council of Europe rules
✓ Visa fees reimbursed according to Council of Europe rules
✓ Board provided and paid for by the Council of Europe
✓ Accommodation provided and paid for at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg
✓ Accommodation in twin rooms
Travel and visa reimbursement is available only to participants who attend the entire training seminar.
Participants are expected to arrive at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg on 27 September 2026 and depart on 4 October 2026.
The European Youth Centres are accessible to people with disabilities. Measures can also be taken to accommodate participants’ access needs when the necessary information is provided in the application form.
Working Language
English is the working language of the training course.
Participants are required to be able to express themselves and work autonomously in English during the programme.
Discover: Doha Debates Ambassador Program 2026 for Youth
Application Procedure
Candidates must complete the official online application form.
In addition to the online application, applicants must send a support letter from their sending organisation by email.
The email subject should follow the format:
TC ADVOCACY “YOUR NAME” SUPPORT LETTER
The support letter should be sent to youthdemocracy@coe.int.
The complete application, including the support letter from the sending organisation, must be submitted before the stated deadline.
Selection Process
The Council of Europe will select up to 30 participants based on the participant profile described in the official call.
During selection, the Council of Europe will seek a balance across:
• Gender
• Geographical regions
• Types of experience
• Cultural backgrounds
• Organisations
• Institutions
• Projects
A waiting list may also be established.
Candidates are expected to be informed whether they have been accepted, rejected or placed on the waiting list by 1 September 2026.
Application Deadline
The complete application must be submitted by:
14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time
The deadline applies to the full application process, including the required support letter from the sending organisation.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
