Developments in information and communication technologies, including social media and artificial intelligence, have profoundly transformed how information is produced, shared and interpreted. While media plays a key role in connecting people and supporting democratic processes, it can also facilitate the spread of disinformation, hate speech and human rights violations, with impacts at both local and global levels.

Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is therefore essential for conscious and responsible participation. A global approach to MIL empowers individuals to navigate information critically and should be recognised as a core component of human rights education, fostering informed decision-making and respectful interpersonal and intercultural dynamics.

On the last edition, a total of 100 participants were selected (50 for the English-language course and 50 for the French-language course), based on the quality of the applications. Priority was given to candidates active in civil society or youth-related organisations with the potential to act as multipliers.

Participants must be aged from eighteen to thirty years old, able to work in the language of the course selected (English or French). Selection will be carried out by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, ensuring gender and geographical balance. The Council of Europe encourages applications from all eligible candidates, in line with its commitment to diversity, equality and non-discrimination.

Participants who successfully complete this HEY course will have the opportunity to apply for the Trainings of Tutors (ToT) to become certified HEY tutors. In 2026, two ToTs are planned in the framework of the Summer Youth Universities. Other networking and participation opportunities will also be available.

The methodological framework of the course is based on the HELP programme and the Global Education Guidelines by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe. Participants’ learning process is focused on the CoE Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC). Through a non-formal learning approach, collaborative and interactive activities and exercises allow participants to contribute to their own learning process. The training course is fully online, hosted on HEY Programme e-learning platform. Two tutors accompany participants during the 4-week activity providing feedback, moderating discussion, giving inputs, and promoting further reflections on the main topics of the training.