The European Youth Centre Budapest hosted the study session "Take Initiative", organised by the Youth Department in cooperation with the Erasmus Student Network, bringing together 35 participants. The study session took place from 6 to 11 November 2023 and aimed to empower participants to meaningfully participate and contribute to matters concerning young people, including policy and political processes at the local, national, and international levels.

Throughout the study session, participants explored different models of meaningful youth participation and engaged in discussions around challenges and opportunities for youth participation at the local level.

 Some testimonials of the participants in the study session include:

“The study session is an extensive dive into the world of youth participation, I am enriched by different perspectives I get to know after group work with the ESN representatives from different countries”.

“This study session is the perfect opportunity for me to be more informed about youth participation and being able to advocate, raise my voice about the importance of youth engagement in society since the future is us, YOUTH.”

“I attended an inspiring study session on youth participation organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department and the ESN. It was thought-provoking and well-organised. I have renewed motivation to take initiative for positive change…”

 Among group discussions, simulation activities, and presentations, the program featured input by Gianluca ROSSINO, a member of the Advisory Council on Youth, through which participants became familiar with the Co-Management system of the youth sector of the Council of Europe as an example of meaningful youth participation. Participants also worked on and reflected on the newly adopted Joint Council on Youth guidelines on youth participation.

As a result of the 6-day long program, participants developed several deliverables, including the Erasmus Student Network Charter on Youth Participation, non-formal education session plans, and a map of stakeholders, which will be used when implementing local follow-up initiatives.

 More information about the study session can be found on the dedicated webpage.