Aim

This study session focuses on two of the five strategic priorities of the Council of Europe youth sector: Revitalising pluralistic democracy and young people’s access to rights. The activity aims to contribute to the quality development of participatory youth structures by building the capacity of members of local youth councils (LYCs) and similar bodies across Europe. The role of LYCs in shaping youth-based policies, promoting democracy and youth rights, and fostering intergenerational dialogue is increasingly recognised. By strengthening their policy and advocacy competencies, this study session will empower young people to effectively represent youth interests and take an active role in democratic processes at the local level.

The long-term goal is to provide a comprehensive framework of standards and tools that support the participatory, inclusive, and sustainable functioning of local youth councils. Through this, young people will be better equipped to advocate for youth rights and participate meaningfully in local governance, enhancing both democratic culture and youth empowerment in their communities.

Objectives:

• Enhancing the advocacy capacity of Local Youth Council members by improving their communication with stakeholders and soft skills.
• Testing and exploring tools and resources for quality development of LYCs, such as the Quality Charter on participatory and inclusive LYCs, the User guide for the Quality Charter and the Toolkit for upgrading local youth councils developed by DYPALL Network.
• Strengthening the European Network of Local Youth Councils (ENLYC) as a space for quality and inclusive youth participation and fostering collaboration, intercultural understanding among LYCs from various Council of Europe countries.
• Exploring the agenda of the Council of Europe on youth participation, through its manuals, the co-management system, tools and opportunities and getting familiar with the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life.