Between 23 and 29 November, 25 young people aged 16 to 25 from 21 countries across Europe and beyond gathered for the study session “Local Youth Councils as Advocates for Democracy”.  The event was organised by DYPALL Network in collaboration with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg.

The study session brought together representatives of local youth councils and young people engaged in youth-policy advocacy to improve the quality of participatory youth structures. The focus was on strengthening the capacity of Local Youth Councils and similar bodies, and providing a comprehensive framework of standards and tools that support their participatory, inclusive, and sustainable functioning.

 Throughout the week, participants explored key themes of advocacy, youth participation, and quality development of Local Youth Councils. Through interactive workshops and peer-learning activities, they strengthened their communication, advocacy and soft skills. Participants worked with practical tools developed by DYPALL Network, including the Qualitative Guidelines for mechanisms of youth engagement, Quality Charter on participatory and inclusive LYCs, the User guide for the Quality Charter and the Toolkit for upgrading local youth councils, as well as other resources presenting best practices of youth participation around Europe.

 The programme encouraged stronger co-operation within the European Network of Local Youth Councils (ENLYC), creating space for sharing experiences and fostering intercultural understanding. Participants also explored the Council of Europe’s approach to youth participation, engaging with its manuals, co-management system, and the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People.

A highlight of the study session was the visit to the Palais d’Europe, where participants engaged in dialogue with the Congress of the Local and Regional Authorities. They had the opportunity to learn more and ask questions to Véronique Bertholle, Thematic Spokesperson on Youth and Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, as well as Maren Lambrecht, Secretary of the Committee on Social Inclusion and Human Dignity. The dicussion focused on the role of young people in local decision-making as well as on the participatroy process for preparing new European Youth Participation Charter.

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