On the margins of the World Forum for Democracy, the Head of the Council of Europe Youth Department, Tobias Flessenkemper met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and presented to her the Department’s action on democracy for Belarus.

He introduced the Youth Department’s main events in 2025, which include a strategic workshop on Belarusian youth agenda for democracy and human rights in April, within Luxembourg presidency of the Committee of Ministers, and a capacity building programme for young Belarusian leaders and activists for democracy related to the December plenary session of the European Parliament.

Furthermore, in March, together with the Gender Equality Division, the Youth Department will organise a seminar on enhancing democratic participation in public and political life, specifically focusing on young women leaders.

The activities are part of the Youth Department’s ongoing efforts to support democratic youth organisations, leaders, and activists within and outside Belarus. These efforts aim to foster meaningful participation and contributions toward positive changes in the country's democratic and political life. The activities provide safe spaces for Belarusian youth to gather, discuss their concerns, and prepare current and future generations of leaders to actively shape a democratic future for Belarus. The activities are implemented, in co-operation with the Belarusian National Youth Council (RADA), in the context of the work of the Contact Group on co-operation with representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society, set up by the Committee of Ministers to provide support and expertise to strengthen Belarusian democratic society in line with Council of Europe core values.