Young people grow up in very different realities. Some face armed conflict, others political instability, growing inequalities or shrinking civic spaces. Yet across countries and communities, young people seek dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, and quality education on a living planet. 

This year's International Youth Day, celebrated under the theme "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations", is a reminder that while challenges may differ, the need for dialogue, participation and human rights is universal. These aspirations also extend to the digital world. AI governance is not only a technological issue. It is about ensuring that digital governance reflects the same aspirations that unite young people across regions.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way people access information, communicate and interact. From disinformation and cybercrime to online manipulation and algorithmic bias, digital technologies are creating new challenges for democracy, human rights and social cohesion. Young people are often the first to experience these changes, but too rarely can contribute to the discussions shaping their governance.

Building on last year edition “Empowering Youth for Digital Safety”, the 25th University on Youth and Development (UYD) is being designed together with the partners Divergimentes, DYPALL network, OBESSU and Youth for Exchange and Understanding.  From 13 to 20 September 2026, this edition will focus on "AI, Youth, and Peace: Preventing Cybercrime and Digital Harm through Responsible AI Governance".

Through the lens of the Council of Europe's legal standards and complementary regional frameworks, young people from Europe, Africa and the Middle East will strengthen their digital citizenship skills, contribute to policy discussions, and develop youth-led solutions that promote ethical AI, peaceful digital environments, and more inclusive and democratic societies through interregional dialogue and co-operation.
 

For more information, visit the UYD webpage. 

The UYD is an international youth event part of the iLEGEND III Joint project co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe. The UYD is organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, in partnership with a number of youth-led and youth-oriented organisations who have the possibility to run their own activities (trainings, seminars, board meetings, etc.) within a dynamic and participatory context which encourages networking, cooperation and peer-to-peer education.