A study session, “Tales of Transformation: Empowering Youth Leaders through Ethical Storytelling,” is taking place from 19 to 24 May 2025 at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. Organised under the Youth for Democracy programme and in co-operation with the Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (YPAN), the event brings together youth workers and leaders from across Europe.
This study session aims to strengthen media literacy and ethical storytelling skills among young people working in conflict-affected communities. Participants explore human rights, peacebuilding, and how to counter dehumanizing narratives with constructive, rights-based storytelling.
Over the course of the week, participants:
- Examine narratives of war and their impact on youth
- Strengthen their ability to analyse media and recognise harmful portrayals
- Learn ethical storytelling and non-violent communication techniques
- Develop and share creative outputs in an online storytelling festival hosted on YPAN and Youth Department platforms
Through collaborative learning and reflection, participants will co-create a series of artistic and storytelling outputs, which will be showcased in an online festival hosted by YPAN and the EYCS social media platforms. These resources aim to raise awareness and foster dialogue about the transformative power of ethical storytelling.
The study session will also generate at least five follow-up actions, designed and led by the participants, to ensure the sustainability and outreach of the initiative across Europe and beyond.
By the end of the week, participants will return to their communities as multipliers of peace, equipped with practical tools and strategies to challenge hate speech and misinformation, while amplifying stories of dignity, resilience, and hope.
