A workshop on artificial intelligence, young people and democratic resilience took place at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg on 14-15 April 2026, bringing together 20 participants. The group included representatives of youth organisations, youth workers actively engaged in promoting AI literacy and supporting young people’s participation in democratic life as well as representatives of the Joint Council on Youth.
The event provided a structured space for participants to critically engage with the implications of AI for young people and to strengthen their capacity to address these challenges in line with Council of Europe standards. It forms part of ongoing efforts linked to the 2025 Roadmap on AI, Youth Policy and Youth Work adopted by the Joint Council on Youth, with a particular focus on capacity-building and educational development.
Discussions emphasised that AI literacy must go far beyond technical knowledge. It should empower young people to critically assess AI systems, understand their societal and ethical implications, and advocate for inclusive, transparent, and accountable approaches. Participants also highlighted the importance of anchoring AI literacy in human rights, social justice, and democratic participation, ensuring that young people are not only informed users but active contributors to the digital public sphere.
At the heart of the programme were practical, hands-on sessions. Participants worked collaboratively to experience educational activities designed to foster AI literacy. These interactive sessions enabled them to explore concrete ways of delivering AI-related learning that is both meaningful for young people and adaptable to diverse youth work contexts. Discussions underlined the importance of ensuring that educational approaches remain responsive to young people’s lived realities and to the rapid evolution of AI technologies.
The workshop also served as a valuable opportunity to reflect on multiple challenges, including risks related to bias, discrimination, misinformation, and the shrinking of civic space. Participants exchanged practices and identified strategies to address these issues through education and youth engagement.
The workshop was closely connected to an upcoming publication of the Council of Europe Youth Department designed to enhance AI literacy among young people and those working with them. This publication will provide accessible, practical educational tools and activities to support youth work practitioners in addressing AI with young people.
