World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 in France
The World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 will bring together up to 50 young people in Strasbourg, France. Participants will contribute youth perspectives to discussions on the New Democratic Pact for Europe. The programme includes online preparation, pre-event training, participation in the World Forum for Democracy, and a dedicated Youth Day. Travel and visa costs are reimbursed according to Council of Europe rules, while board and lodging are provided. The application deadline is August 14, 2026, at 14:00 Strasbourg time.
Quick Overview
Programme: World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation
Opportunity Type: Youth delegation
Host Organization: Council of Europe Youth Department
Country: France
Location: Strasbourg
Programme Dates: October 30–November 5, 2026
Programme Format: Online preparation and in-person participation
Deadline: August 14, 2026, at 14:00 Strasbourg time
Financial Support: Travel and visa reimbursement, board and accommodation
About the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation
The youth delegation forms part of the 14th edition of the World Forum for Democracy.
The Forum will take place in Strasbourg on November 2–3, 2026, under the title “Rupture or Renewal? Democratic Security for Our Future.”
The 2026 edition takes place within the framework of the New Democratic Pact for Europe. It will bring together political leaders, civil society representatives, academics, youth voices, members of the public, and experts.
The Council of Europe Youth Department plans to bring together around 50 young people from around the world. Participants will contribute youth perspectives to discussions related to the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
Programme Structure
Participation includes online preparation before the in-person programme in Strasbourg.
The programme schedule includes:
• September–October 2026: Online preparation
• October 30, 2026: Arrival in Strasbourg
• October 31–November 1, 2026: Pre-event youth delegation training
• November 2–3, 2026: World Forum for Democracy
• November 4, 2026: Youth Day
• November 5, 2026: Departure from Strasbourg
The online preparation period introduces participants to one another and covers aspects of the Council of Europe’s work on democracy and youth engagement.
Participants should dedicate approximately one to two hours per week to the online preparation.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the participant profile established by the Council of Europe.
Candidates must:
• Be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Be able to work autonomously in English.
• Be available for the complete programme, including online preparation.
• Participate in the youth delegation training on October 31–November 1, 2026.
• Participate in the World Forum for Democracy on November 2–3, 2026.
• Participate in the Youth Day on November 4, 2026.
• Represent a youth organisation and/or youth movement.
• Be active at local, regional, national, or international level in democracy, youth participation, or innovative democratic practices.
• Be able to follow up on the Forum’s results within their organisation and community.
Previous involvement with the Council of Europe youth sector in democratic participation is considered an asset.
Financial and Practical Support
Selected participants receive the following support:
✓ Travel expenses reimbursed according to Council of Europe rules
✓ Visa fees reimbursed according to Council of Europe rules
✓ Board provided and paid for by the Council of Europe
✓ Accommodation provided and paid for at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg
Full participation in the programme is required for travel and visa reimbursement.
Participants will be accommodated in twin rooms at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.
The European Youth Centre can also take measures to accommodate participants with accessibility needs when the necessary information is provided through the application form.
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Working Language
English is the main working language of the programme.
Applicants must be able to express themselves autonomously in English.
The Youth Day on November 4, 2026, will include simultaneous interpretation in English and French.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the official online application form.
Candidates must also prepare a short video and provide an accessible link to the video in their application.
The video must:
• Introduce the applicant.
• Answer the question: What is the ONE key issue that the New Democratic Pact for Europe should address?
• Be no longer than one minute.
• Be stored online with an accessible link included in the application form.
The Council of Europe recommends using secure cloud storage with a view-only link.
Applicants who use a video-sharing platform should make the video unlisted rather than public.
The submitted video will be used only for assessment of the application and will not be retained or shared beyond the selection process.
Selection Process
The Council of Europe will select up to 50 participants.
Selection will be based on the stated participant profile while seeking balance across:
• Gender
• Geographical regions
• Levels of experience
• Cultural backgrounds
• Organisations
A waiting list will also be established.
Applicants are expected to receive information about the selection results in mid-September 2026.
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Important Dates
• Online preparation: September–October 2026
• Arrival in Strasbourg: October 30, 2026
• Pre-event training: October 31–November 1, 2026
• World Forum for Democracy: November 2–3, 2026
• Youth Day: November 4, 2026
• Departure: November 5, 2026
• Selection results: Mid-September 2026
• Application deadline: August 14, 2026, at 14:00 Strasbourg time
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation is August 14, 2026, at 14:00 Strasbourg time.
Applicants must complete the official online application form and include the required one-minute video link before the deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
