On 22-23 January, experts in the youth work, youth policy, human rights education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are meeting at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. Their goal is to explore how AI affects young people’s rights and to share insights on addressing its opportunities and challenges.

 The consultative meeting, "How Confident?... Artificial Intelligence, Young People and Youth Work", will guide the Council of Europe’s work on policy and standard-setting, and the overall programme of the Council of Europe’s Youth Department.

 A focus will be on the significance for young people of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. This groundbreaking,  a ‘first-of-its-kind’ global legally binding instrument, ensures that AI aligns with principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

 Experts from across Europe will discuss the benefits and risks that AI poses for young people, youth work and youth policy, and will also highlight ways in which the European youth sector is responding to AI-related issues.

 Representatives from the Council of Europe will present the organisation’s work on AI’s effect in areas critical to young people, such as democracy, hate speech, gender equality and freedom of expression. Insights from these discussions will shape future Council of Europe’s work on AI and recommendations for its Youth Department’s programme.

 This consultative meeting builds on extensive work with, and by the European youth sector to promote critical and independent participation of young people in the digital era. A series of seminars held in 2019 and 2020, explored the youth sector’s role in ensuring that AI is used responsibly in democratic societies, and in supporting participation of young people in AI governance at all levels.