The Council of Europe Youth Department organises the third edition of the training course Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights between 27 September and 4 October 2026 at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg. The training course takes place in parallel with the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Organised in the framework of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project, the course responds to the needs of youth civil society to make full use of their capacity and impact policy and politics at local, national and international level.
Aim and objectives
The training course aims to develop the competences of youth civil society and young activists to advocate for human rights, democracy, ensuring a youth perspective in all the Council of Europe work, as well as advocating for the implementation and expansion of Council of Europe standards at national and local level.
Objectives of the course
- To familiarise participants with the Council of Europe, its institutions and standards for democracy, human rights and youth participation
- To develop participants’ competences in human rights-based advocacy and strengthen their capacity to develop and implement advocacy strategies and practices
- To create a space for sharing and learning from each other, as well as from examples of good practice in human rights and democracy advocacy, structures for youth participation in decision making, working with decision makers, etc.
- To associate participants with the Youth Department’s work, notably the project Youth revitalising democracy
- To develop common advocacy initiatives/actions, also supporting the advocacy objectives of the project Youth revitalising democracy: enhancing youth participation in the elections and removing barriers to youth standing in elections, as well as securing structures for youth participation in decision-making.
Practical information
All travel and visa costs are covered by the Council of Europe in accordance with its rules. Accommodation and meals are provided at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.
27 September-4 October 2026 (including arrival/departure dates)
European Youth Centre Strasbourg
Deadline to apply: 14 August, 2026, 14:00 Strasbourg time


