The youth sector, particularly youth organisations and youth work play an important role in revitalising democracy. Youth work creates safe spaces for dialogue, fosters critical thinking, and empowers young people to take an active role in shaping their societies. Now more than ever, we must recognize and support the important role of youth work in securing the future of democracy. The international conference, organised by IJAB – International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany in cooperation with the Council of Europe Youth Department, will address these topics.
Objectives
- Catching Up with Reality
Understanding democratic backsliding and analysing the links between political and societal developments on the one hand and youth disillusionment at the other. Examining the role of politics and shrinking spaces for youth work. - Creating Solidarity
Building coalitions across youth organizations and civil society, sharing good practices in democratic engagement, strengthening cross-border cooperation, fostering inclusive networks that empower youth workers and young people to defend and expand democratic spaces. - Taking Action
Strengthening resilient and democratic structures at three levels: empower young people with the skills and confidence to engage, strengthen and empower youth workers to promote youth participation and support organizations to advocate for systemic change and long-term impact.
Participants
The conference is aimed at youth work and social work professionals, (youth) policy makers, representatives of international youth organisations and researchers from Europe and beyond. We are addressing people who are active in empowering youth, civic education or neighbouring fields, either in practice, administration or research. The number of participants is limited to 80. The selection will be made in such a way that a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences are represented.
Date and Venue
The conference takes place from Wednesday, 3 December (6 p.m.) to Friday, 5 December (1:15 p.m.) in the European Youth Centre Strasbourg, France.
Terms and conditions of participation
Participation is free of charge. Accommodation and meals will be provided by the organizers. Travel costs must be covered by the participants. In exceptional cases and only after prior consultation with the organizers, travel costs can be reimbursed based on the cheapest ticket available. Please see details in the application form. Working language is English.
Application
Please note that we are no longer accepting registrations. Registration deadline was September 5.
Program
| Wednesday, 3 December | |
| Afternoon | Arriving and finding your bearings Optional offers for early arrivals |
| from 5 p.m. | Registration Joint dinner & Welcome evening |
| Thursday, 4 December | |
| Morning | Catching up with reality Opening & Welcome Working groups: How do participants experience democracy under attack? Keynote: Prof. Staffan Lindberg, V-Dem Institute |
| Afternoon | Creating solidarity Transition from the “inventory” to “creating solidarity”: Inspiring examples of youth work activities, campaigns and projects World Café on the practices presented Sessions to reflect, systematize and structure the previous discussion |
| Evening | Special dinner |
| Friday, 5 December | |
| Morning | Creating democratic resilience and action Input Activating sessions Concluding remarks & farewell |
| 1.15 p.m. | Lunch Departure |
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us at democracy(at)ijab.de.
The conference will be funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
