How can we instil in young people a desire to act as defenders of freedom and guardians of human rights?  Do our education systems have the right tools to teach them how to make the most of diversity or do they perpetuate social and cultural divides?  In the age of social media, where almost anything can be expressed, should states take an active part in combating propaganda and the extremists seeking to radicalise these young minds?  These are the questions which the participants at the Forum, to be held in Strasbourg from 7 to 9 November 2016, will attempt to answer.

The 2016 Forum will be attended by academics, politicians, practitioners and young people from all over the world, focusing on two main themes:

• Citizenship, democracy and education
• Education bridging social divides: pass or fail?

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and French Minister of Education, Higher Education and Research Najat Vallaud-Belkacem will both speak at the opening on Monday 7 November (10 am to 12.30 pm).

19 labs, addressing the challenges to be faced in different forms and presenting certain initiatives already in place, will help bring a democratic response to the problems discussed throughout the Forum.

The Forum is organised by the Council of Europe in partnership with Strasbourg City Council, the Grand Est Region and the French government.

Contact: Estelle Steiner, Spokesperson/Press officer, Tel.+33 388 41 33 35, mobile+33 608 46 01 57

Note to editors

The Democracy Innovation Award will be presented by the Council of Europe to the most popular initiative presented in the labs (Wednesday 9 November 2016 from 10 am to 12.30 pm, during the close of the Forum). 

On the sidelines of the Forum

At the initiative of Strasbourg City Council, the Grand Est Region and all the partners involved in the Fringe programme, the theme of the Forum will be addressed in a range of meetings, panel discussions, debates and exhibitions at various locations open to the public, from 3 to 10 November.

The Democratic Engagement Award will be presented by the Grand Est Region on Tuesday 8 November at 6 pm (Maison de la Région).

The Reporters without Borders Award ceremony will be held on Tuesday 8 November at 7 pm (Odyssée Cinema).

Practical information

• Broadcasts: the discussions in plenary will be available in both live and recorded versions, the labs will be available in podcasts
• Accreditation: online form.
• Press room: 2nd floor, accessible from 8 am to 7 pm on 7 and 8 November and from 8 am to 4 pm on 9 November.
• Audio-visual facilities: TV, radio and multimedia studios can be reserved.
• Mediabox: a mobile studio is also available in the area outside the Assembly Chamber (on reservation: [email protected]).