Young People at the Heart of the Conversation

 What do we mean by “youth perspective”?

The youth perspective is about making sure young people’s voices, experiences, and ideas are part of the decisions that shape our societies. It means listening to what young people need, what they care about, and how they see the future - and taking that seriously.
There isn’t just one single “youth perspective.” Young people come from different backgrounds, communities, and lived realities. That’s why we talk about youth perspectives in the plural. These are expressed through independent, youth-led organisations and communities, which play a vital role in democratic life.

 A fresh approach to intergenerational relations

The Council of Europe has introduced a new Reference Framework to help bring youth perspectives more meaningfully into policy and decision-making. Adopted in October 2025, this framework is about doing things with young people and not just for them.

Its goal is simple: better decisions, stronger democracies, and more inclusive societies that work for youth generations, today and in the future.

 

 Four ways to make it happen!
 

THINK with young people!

Shift the mindset. Young people aren't just beneficiaries of policies: they are partners with knowledge and perspectives that should shape them. That starts with challenging assumptions and genuinely listening.
 

LEARN from and with young people!

Create spaces where policy-makers and young people can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build understanding across generations. This means policymakers developing the openness and tools needed to engage meaningfully.

PARTICIPATE with young people!

Make participation real. This means giving young people the tools, skills, and opportunities to take part in decisions making and policymakers developing competencies, adapting methods and co-creating structures that make genuine participation possible, based on values like inclusion, fairness, and respect.

ACT with and for young people!

Commit: institutionally and politically. Bring youth perspectives into every stage of the policy cycle from planning to evaluation, allocate resources, and follow through on what young people propose, making youth engagement a structural part of the work. 

 

 Youth perspectives matter! Why?

When young people are genuinely involved, decisions tend to be better. Policies become more forward-looking, more inclusive, and more in tune with real-life challenges. It also helps build trust, strengthens democracy, and creates a stronger sense of shared responsibility between generations for the benefit of all.

 What young people gain

At the same time, this approach empowers young people to take an active role in society. It helps them:

  • Have a real say in decisions that affect their lives
  • Feel a stronger sense of belonging
  • Build valuable skills and confidence
  • Connect with others and grow their networks

 

The Youth Perspective builds upon the existing principle of co-management, the programme and experience of the Youth Department, and its instruments like the  European Youth Centres and European Youth Foundation which are developing practices, benchmarks and standards for youth policies and youth work. 

 Who needs to act?

This is a shared responsibility.

The Council of Europe is putting the framework into practice across its own work: building skills, sharing knowledge, and working closely with young people to ensure they are represented and their voices and issues are taken into account in the work of its various thematic sectors and especially in its varied standard setting.

At the same time, member States are called on to bring youth perspectives into their national policies. To this end, the Council of Europe Youth Sector provides support, tools, and guidance based on its acquis in the field of youth, notably its unique governance principle: co-management between young people and governmental authorities in all matters pertaining to young people’s lives.

 In short: those in power need to make space and work with young people to shape better decisions.