This year, the University on Youth and Development’s theme was “AI, Youth and Peace: Preventing Cybercrime and Digital Harm through Responsible AI Governance.” The programme explored both the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence, with particular attention to cybercrime, disinformation and online manipulation, as well as their impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Participants also examined the Council of Europe’s legal standards and complementary regional frameworks relevant to the governance of AI.

100 young people from Europe, Africa and the Middle East played a central role throughout the programme by co-creating activities, sharing their experiences and shaping discussions around their priorities. They also took the lead in eight peer-led workshops. In “Digital Rights, Digital Security and Digital Footprint,” participants examined the risks associated with data breaches and explored practical ways to strengthen their online security. In “AI and Humans: The Underrated Survival Race,” participants imagined the parallel evolution of humans and artificial intelligence 50 years into the future. They questioned what progress and comfort truly mean, explored the risks associated with AI and reflected on the broader implications of technological development.

The closing ceremony brought the 25th UYD full circle, with each group transforming the week’s learning into a creative performance developed and presented by participants. The HEY group gave a playful presentation on the Training of Trainers programme, with each participant explaining one aspect of the training.

OBESSU highlighted the links between digital education and mental health. The group presented plans to advocate at national level for digitally aware and inclusive education policies “where everybody’s voice is heard”.

Divergimentes presented AI-assisted images representing how participants imagined their own minds, including a colourful 3D waterfall, a garden trapped in a jail, a cat portrayed as a mastermind and a brain connected to technology.

DYPALL Network’s Local Youth Council members performed an AI-generated hip-hop song and dance, conveying a message about critical thinking, responsible technology and the importance of placing human values before algorithms.

Youth for Exchange and Understanding presented a musical performance celebrating youth work and their Palette of Emotions project. The ceremony also featured piano performances by participants and a contribution from the Joint Team, which distributed a “natural intelligence” artefact containing flower seeds. The seeds symbolised the knowledge gained during the week, inviting participants to continue cultivating it at home.

The 25th University on Youth and Development (UYD) brought together more than 100 young people, youth workers, decision-makers, experts and institutional representatives from over 40 countries. The event took place from 13 to 20 September at the Euro-Latin American Youth Centre (CEULAJ) in Mollina, Spain.

Organised as part of iLEGEND III (Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue), the third cycle of a joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe: co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, the UYD is implemented by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, with support from the Spanish Institute of Youth (INJUVE). It was held in cooperation with Divergimentes, DYPALL Network, OBESSU and Youth for Exchange and Understanding, with the support of the Spanish Institute of Youth (INJUVE).