The World Forum for Democracy is a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. The theme of the 2025 edition of the World Forum for Democracy is “Democracy at risk: how can we revive it?”
The 2025 edition of the World Forum for Democracy will address how the lack of trust in democratic institutions and processes undermines democratic legitimacy, stability, and resilience to both external and internal threats. When citizens are no longer invested in democracy, they may gradually withdraw from voting and other forms of civic participation, leaving the fundamental freedoms that underpin democratic institutions increasingly vulnerable. This vulnerability creates an environment in which populists and autocrats have greater latitude to weaken institutional checks and balances, undermine constitutional protections, and restrict freedoms such as expression and association.
Organised on an annual basis, the programme of the Forum features inspirational talks by
thought leaders. Breakaway sessions and creative workshops will challenge proposed new
solutions and identify ideas worth spreading. Moreover, the Forum will actively foster the creation
of networks and communities of practice, serving as incubators for turning ideas into action.
The participants of the youth delegation will gather at the European Youth centre in Strasbourg
two days before the start of the Forum to learn about the Council of Europe and its work with
youth, to get to know each other, to develop their ideas, work together and prepare for the
Forum. During this time, participants will be well informed about the setting of the Forum, about
the programme with its different formats, where they will be invited to choose their preferred
side events for attending.
During the Forum, the youth participants will join the Plenary sessions in hemicycle of Palais de
l’Europe and will be actively engaged in different breakaway sessions, creative workshops and
side events. Participants may be given roles in different breakaway sessions, creative workshops
and side events according to their interests and competences (rapporteurs, discussants,
moderators, etc.)
- WORTH
- Travel expenses and visa costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of the relevant receipts, according to the rules of the Council of Europe.
- Accommodation. Board and lodging are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe during the dates of the activity (arrival on 2 November and departure on 8 November 2025).
- Participants will be accommodated at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg.
ELIGIBILITY
To be selected and participate in the World Forum for Democracy 2025, the youth applicants
must be:
- Between 18 and 30 years of age;
- Able to communicate and work in English;
- Actively involved in youth organisations or other civil society organisations working with young people on issues reviving democracy via new creative solutions;
- Motivated to share their experiences on democracy and to contribute to developing new ideas on reviving it.
- Available to participate fully in the World Forum for Democracy 2025 and in the preparation process beforehand (i.e, online preparation and onsite presence in Strasbourg, arriving on 2 November and departing on 8 November
DEADLINE: August 4, 2025
To apply and for more information, visit here