Consultative Meeting 
on Strength and Resilience of Youth Organisations

European Youth Centre Budapest
21-23 January 2026

In 2026, the Youth Department of the Council of Europe is ramping up its long-standing commitment to supporting youth organisations’ unique and essential contributions to civil society, democracy and human rights. As part of this process, a consultative meeting on the strength and resilience of youth organisations was organised.

The consultative meeting brought together 25 representatives of international youth organisations to reflect on their current realities, challenges and future needs in a rapidly changing and often fragile civic space.

Taking place within the Council of Europe’s broader commitment to democracy, human rights and meaningful youth participation, the consultative meeting focused on strengthening organisational resilience through democratic governance, effective management, strategic development, and advocacy.

On the basis of peer exchange, dialogue with the youth sector of the Council of Europe and with external experts from the field of international philanthropy and civil society development, participants explored concrete forms of support, capacity building and cooperation, contributing to the design of future capacity development and support mechanisms that enable international youth organisations to thrive and remain sustainable, impactful and responsive to young people’s needs and interests across Europe.

The conclusions of this meeting served the development and implementation of new Council of Europe Youth Sector measures and activities in 2026 and onwards.