6 November 2025 - 14.30-16.00  / Room 6 - Palais de l'Europe

Interpretation FR/EN

In co-operation with the Division on Culture and Heritage of the Council of Europe

Participation in culture fosters a form of democratic citizenship and exercise of democracy. Participatory cultural policies make democracy more inclusive and resilient. They allow diverse voices to influence collective priorities, strengthening social cohesion and public trust.

It is also a question of exercising cultural rights and legitimacy. Upholding these rights means ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to cultural resources, the freedom to express themselves, and the opportunity to participate in shaping the policies that affect the whole society. Making cultural policies more participatory, implies rethinking how decisions are made, how resources are distributed, and how citizens are invited to contribute.  Civil society organizations are indispensable partners in this process. Youth participation is equally critical. Young people are redefining what culture means and how it is shared today through digital platforms, creative activism, and other forms of collaboration and expression. This can bring new life into democratic participation, especially as traditional forms of political engagement lose appeal among younger generations. Empowering youth in culture is, in many ways, an investment in the future of democracy itself.

This session, in an open debate, will explore ways on how participation in cultural policies and practices can help reinforce democracy and democratic practices.