Strasbourg, 28 November 2014

The 217 youngsters from 100 different countries around the world, invited to participate by the European Youth Foundation, replied vibrantly “YES”!

Amazing things happened during the third edition of the World Forum for Democracy. With the motto “Rethinking democracy for a better future” and the blue hat as their symbol, the young actors of democracy definitely stirred things up in Strasbourg.

They actively contributed to the Labs’ debates, produced 4 different applicable prototypes of ideal democracy, which they presented at the respective events during the Forum (Unconferences), and presented a soulful theatre performance at the closing ceremony. They expressed their dreams and fears about democracy through an art installation-performance and finally they created a video conveying the message to “let democracy take off”. (Find the video here: http://vimeo.com/111406975)

The Youth Group went through a dynamic online preparation phase where they discussed and exchanged point of views and attitudes on democracy and the role of youth, and they developed knowledge and skills through online debates and training sessions, with the aim of transforming their creative ideas into visible and efficient actions during the Forum, as well as in their local context afterwards.

Once in Strasbourg, they completed the preparations and finalised the actions planned but they also developed several intervention initiatives on the spot by inspiring and engaging one another in different democracy related issues from around the world. A group of participants was also given the opportunity to have  a 30 minute discussion with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to express their views on youth and democracy.

Throughout the first week of November, their creativity and commitment were omnipresent and contagious and they brought great amounts of positive vibes at the European Youth Foundation and to the Council of Europe. This edition of WFD was definitely revitalised by youth!