Council of Europe Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026 (Fully Funded) – Apply by 14 August

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-6a5a8c68-8078-83ea-b038-aa17031e01b4-14" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-6a5a8c68-8078-83ea-b038-aa17031e01b4-14" data-turn-id-container="request-6a5a8c68-8078-83ea-b038-aa17031e01b4-14" data-testid="conversation-turn-74" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="56102f7c-4b6a-4cf7-9249-9fa45a5c6b64" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <p data-start="1792" data-end="2071">The <strong data-start="1796" data-end="1834">Council of Europe Youth Department</strong> is inviting applications for the <strong data-start="1868" data-end="1954">third edition of the Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course</strong>, which will take place at the <strong data-start="1985" data-end="2029">European Youth Centre Strasbourg, France</strong>, from <strong data-start="2036" data-end="2070">27 September to 4 October 2026</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2073" data-end="2433">Organized under the <strong data-start="2093" data-end="2133">Youth Revitalising Democracy Project</strong>, this fully funded international training programme is designed to strengthen the advocacy skills of young activists, youth leaders, and members of youth civil society organizations who are committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and meaningful youth participation in public decision-making.</p> <p data-start="2435" data-end="2721">The training course will be held alongside the <strong data-start="2482" data-end="2556">Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe</strong>, providing participants with a unique opportunity to gain insights into democratic institutions while learning practical advocacy strategies from experts and peers.</p> <p data-start="2723" data-end="2976">If you are passionate about advancing democratic values, protecting human rights, and increasing youth participation in governance, this is an excellent opportunity to build your skills, expand your network, and contribute to positive democratic change.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1lnqugc" data-start="2978" data-end="3006">About the Training Course</h2> <p data-start="3008" data-end="3199">The <strong data-start="3012" data-end="3077">Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course</strong> forms part of the Council of Europe Youth Department&#8217;s broader efforts to strengthen youth engagement in democratic life.</p> <p data-start="3201" data-end="3452">The programme recognizes that young people and youth organizations play an essential role in promoting democracy, defending human rights, and ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in policy-making at local, national, and international levels.</p> <p data-start="3454" data-end="3725">Through interactive learning, practical exercises, peer exchange, and engagement with Council of Europe institutions, participants will strengthen their ability to design and implement effective advocacy initiatives that promote democratic participation and human rights.</p> <p data-start="3727" data-end="3984">The course also contributes directly to the objectives of the <strong data-start="3789" data-end="3829">Youth Revitalising Democracy Project</strong>, which seeks to remove barriers to youth participation in politics and strengthen structures that enable young people to influence public decision-making.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1z0046k" data-start="3986" data-end="4009">Aim of the Programme</h2> <p data-start="4011" data-end="4161">The primary aim of the training course is to strengthen the competencies of youth civil society representatives and young activists in advocating for:</p> <ul data-start="4163" data-end="4339"> <li data-section-id="1lir69t" data-start="4163" data-end="4174">Democracy</li> <li data-section-id="n13b44" data-start="4175" data-end="4189">Human rights</li> <li data-section-id="6d0rn2" data-start="4190" data-end="4211">Youth participation</li> <li data-section-id="1ockhqz" data-start="4212" data-end="4259">Implementation of Council of Europe standards</li> <li data-section-id="fvypjv" data-start="4260" data-end="4287">Inclusive public policies</li> <li data-section-id="1rxxaeu" data-start="4288" data-end="4339">Youth representation in decision-making processes</li> </ul> <p data-start="4341" data-end="4527">Participants will also explore ways to integrate youth perspectives across the work of the Council of Europe while promoting democratic values within their own communities and countries.</p> <h2 data-section-id="cyq48k" data-start="4529" data-end="4565">Objectives of the Training Course</h2> <p data-start="4567" data-end="4682">Throughout the programme, participants will work toward achieving several important learning objectives, including:</p> <h3 data-section-id="t4ykw4" data-start="4684" data-end="4726">1. Understanding the Council of Europe</h3> <p data-start="4728" data-end="4784">Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of:</p> <ul data-start="4786" data-end="4921"> <li data-section-id="8eep3l" data-start="4786" data-end="4809">The Council of Europe</li> <li data-section-id="afl3z5" data-start="4810" data-end="4828">Its institutions</li> <li data-section-id="8gs7xp" data-start="4829" data-end="4863">Democratic governance structures</li> <li data-section-id="1njwgz0" data-start="4864" data-end="4888">Human rights standards</li> <li data-section-id="lhkl0m" data-start="4889" data-end="4921">Youth participation mechanisms</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1pyt1ua" data-start="4923" data-end="4959">2. Strengthening Advocacy Skills</h3> <p data-start="4961" data-end="4998">The programme will help participants:</p> <ul data-start="5000" data-end="5183"> <li data-section-id="qyy5ht" data-start="5000" data-end="5045">Develop human rights-based advocacy skills.</li> <li data-section-id="197n2kg" data-start="5046" data-end="5085">Design effective advocacy strategies.</li> <li data-section-id="atxm2k" data-start="5086" data-end="5112">Plan advocacy campaigns.</li> <li data-section-id="1hmc27k" data-start="5113" data-end="5153">Build practical advocacy competencies.</li> <li data-section-id="2grg9a" data-start="5154" data-end="5183">Influence policy processes.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1r0gkoi" data-start="5185" data-end="5220">3. Learning from Good Practices</h3> <p data-start="5222" data-end="5299">Participants will exchange experiences and learn from successful examples of:</p> <ul data-start="5301" data-end="5454"> <li data-section-id="1l5ri4g" data-start="5301" data-end="5324">Human rights advocacy</li> <li data-section-id="nuq1j0" data-start="5325" data-end="5351">Democratic participation</li> <li data-section-id="48wsju" data-start="5352" data-end="5370">Youth engagement</li> <li data-section-id="19n6fr4" data-start="5371" data-end="5387">Civic activism</li> <li data-section-id="wf057q" data-start="5388" data-end="5421">Collaboration with policymakers</li> <li data-section-id="1qp1288" data-start="5422" data-end="5454">Youth participation structures</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1d4jr5x" data-start="5456" data-end="5517">4. Engaging with the Youth Revitalising Democracy Project</h3> <p data-start="5519" data-end="5731">The training will introduce participants to the ongoing work of the Council of Europe Youth Department and provide opportunities to contribute to future initiatives under the Youth Revitalising Democracy Project.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1so3lgh" data-start="5733" data-end="5777">5. Developing Joint Advocacy Initiatives</h3> <p data-start="5779" data-end="5862">Participants will collaborate to design common advocacy actions that contribute to:</p> <ul data-start="5864" data-end="6127"> <li data-section-id="1gg5a2u" data-start="5864" data-end="5910">Increasing youth participation in elections.</li> <li data-section-id="1xff3k7" data-start="5911" data-end="5986">Removing barriers preventing young people from running for public office.</li> <li data-section-id="1fyu1a6" data-start="5987" data-end="6053">Strengthening youth participation in democratic decision-making.</li> <li data-section-id="1psjog7" data-start="6054" data-end="6127">Expanding the implementation of Council of Europe democratic standards.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="olbamh" data-start="6129" data-end="6160">What Participants Will Learn</h2> <p data-start="6162" data-end="6241">The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development.</p> <p data-start="6243" data-end="6300">Participants can expect sessions covering topics such as:</p> <ul data-start="6302" data-end="6574"> <li data-section-id="qfz85c" data-start="6302" data-end="6341">Democracy and democratic institutions</li> <li data-section-id="1l5ri4g" data-start="6342" data-end="6365">Human rights advocacy</li> <li data-section-id="1draz47" data-start="6366" data-end="6401">Youth participation in governance</li> <li data-section-id="1ueqfwd" data-start="6402" data-end="6420">Policy influence</li> <li data-section-id="12zdsjo" data-start="6421" data-end="6452">Advocacy strategy development</li> <li data-section-id="clovnv" data-start="6453" data-end="6472">Campaign planning</li> <li data-section-id="1nn8gmt" data-start="6473" data-end="6503">Working with decision-makers</li> <li data-section-id="1o5e5re" data-start="6504" data-end="6524">Coalition building</li> <li data-section-id="182g6pv" data-start="6525" data-end="6543">Civic engagement</li> <li data-section-id="1q7o8iz" data-start="6544" data-end="6574">Peer learning and networking</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="h25nsq" data-start="6576" data-end="6600">Practical Information</h2> <p data-start="6602" data-end="6638">The training course will take place:</p> <p data-start="6640" data-end="6649"><strong data-start="6640" data-end="6649">Venue</strong></p> <p data-start="6651" data-end="6704">European Youth Centre Strasbourg<br data-start="6683" data-end="6686" />Strasbourg, France</p> <p data-start="6706" data-end="6725"><strong data-start="6706" data-end="6725">Programme Dates</strong></p> <p data-start="6727" data-end="6756">27 September – 4 October 2026</p> <p data-start="6758" data-end="6818">The programme dates include both arrival and departure days.</p> <h2 data-section-id="dm0wqr" data-start="6820" data-end="6840">Financial Support</h2> <p data-start="6842" data-end="6959">The Council of Europe will cover participants&#8217; major programme expenses in accordance with its financial regulations.</p> <p data-start="6961" data-end="6978">Support includes:</p> <ul data-start="6980" data-end="7055"> <li data-section-id="1vivajs" data-start="6980" data-end="6994">Travel costs</li> <li data-section-id="1n3ow12" data-start="6995" data-end="7010">Visa expenses</li> <li data-section-id="d7gf1s" data-start="7011" data-end="7026">Accommodation</li> <li data-section-id="848moo" data-start="7027" data-end="7055">Meals during the programme</li> </ul> <p data-start="7057" data-end="7202">This financial support enables selected participants to fully engage in the learning experience without worrying about major participation costs.</p> <h2 data-section-id="16yea65" data-start="7204" data-end="7227">Why You Should Apply</h2> <p data-start="7229" data-end="7288">Participating in this programme provides an opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="7290" data-end="7702"> <li data-section-id="jk1whr" data-start="7290" data-end="7325">Develop advanced advocacy skills.</li> <li data-section-id="leckwq" data-start="7326" data-end="7388">Strengthen your understanding of democracy and human rights.</li> <li data-section-id="1q7rqkh" data-start="7389" data-end="7437">Learn directly from Council of Europe experts.</li> <li data-section-id="jhamvk" data-start="7438" data-end="7492">Connect with youth leaders from different countries.</li> <li data-section-id="m7wy59" data-start="7493" data-end="7538">Exchange experiences with fellow activists.</li> <li data-section-id="1avmwfy" data-start="7539" data-end="7588">Expand your international professional network.</li> <li data-section-id="rhcz8x" data-start="7589" data-end="7635">Contribute to future democratic initiatives.</li> <li data-section-id="9a10wb" data-start="7636" data-end="7702">Become part of the Council of Europe&#8217;s youth engagement efforts.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="e420n" data-start="7704" data-end="7724">Who Should Apply?</h2> <p data-start="7726" data-end="7769">The programme is particularly suitable for:</p> <ul data-start="7771" data-end="7977"> <li data-section-id="15wq01i" data-start="7771" data-end="7788">Young activists</li> <li data-section-id="174uaej" data-start="7789" data-end="7806">Youth advocates</li> <li data-section-id="1ld89zc" data-start="7807" data-end="7831">Human rights defenders</li> <li data-section-id="ne0kng" data-start="7832" data-end="7868">Youth organization representatives</li> <li data-section-id="vdn2fr" data-start="7869" data-end="7891">Civil society actors</li> <li data-section-id="desuhe" data-start="7892" data-end="7907">Youth workers</li> <li data-section-id="1m0pz26" data-start="7908" data-end="7929">Democracy promoters</li> <li data-section-id="qfxldl" data-start="7930" data-end="7952">Community organizers</li> <li data-section-id="1vorndz" data-start="7953" data-end="7977">Emerging youth leaders</li> </ul> <p data-start="7979" data-end="8128">Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and strengthening youth participation in public life.</p> <h2 data-section-id="18pv5kk" data-start="8130" data-end="8152">Application Process</h2> <p data-start="8154" data-end="8247">Interested applicants must complete the official online application form before the deadline.</p> <p data-start="8249" data-end="8349">Applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues.</p> <p data-start="8351" data-end="8427">Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.</p> <h2 data-section-id="99n810" data-start="8429" data-end="8447">Important Dates</h2> <div class="TyagGW_tableContainer"> <div class="group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit" tabindex="-1"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="8449" data-end="8615"> <thead data-start="8449" data-end="8468"> <tr data-start="8449" data-end="8468"> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="8449" data-end="8460" data-col-size="sm">Activity</th> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="8460" data-end="8468" data-col-size="sm">Date</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="8490" data-end="8615"> <tr data-start="8490" data-end="8559"> <td data-start="8490" data-end="8513" data-col-size="sm">Application Deadline</td> <td data-start="8513" data-end="8559" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="8515" data-end="8557">14 August 2026 (14:00 Strasbourg Time)</strong></td> </tr> <tr data-start="8560" data-end="8615"> <td data-start="8560" data-end="8578" data-col-size="sm">Training Course</td> <td data-start="8578" data-end="8615" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="8580" data-end="8613">27 September – 4 October 2026</strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <h2 data-section-id="1c1cerr" data-start="8617" data-end="8640">For More Information</h2> <p data-start="8642" data-end="8848">Applicants are encouraged to visit the official <a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/-/call-for-participants-youth-advocacy-for-democracy-and-human-rights-training-course-european-youth-centre-strasbourg-27-september-4-october-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="8690" data-end="8728">Council of Europe Youth Department</strong></a> webpage to access the concept note, review the full eligibility requirements, and complete the online application form.</p> <p data-start="8850" data-end="9004">The official page also provides detailed information about the programme objectives, participant profile, financial arrangements, and application process.</p> <p data-start="9006" data-end="9207">For any additional questions regarding the programme or the application process, prospective applicants should contact the <a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="9129" data-end="9167">Council of Europe Youth Department</strong></a> .</p> <h2 data-section-id="8dtpi" data-start="9209" data-end="9222">Conclusion</h2> <p data-start="9224" data-end="9911" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The <strong data-start="9228" data-end="9316">Council of Europe Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026</strong> offers an exceptional opportunity for young activists and civil society leaders to strengthen their advocacy skills, deepen their understanding of democratic governance and human rights, and join an international network of committed changemakers. With travel, accommodation, meals, and visa costs covered, participants can fully focus on learning, networking, and developing practical advocacy initiatives that promote democracy and youth participation. If you are passionate about creating positive democratic change, be sure to submit your application before the <strong data-start="9883" data-end="9901">14 August 2026</strong> deadline.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start"></div> <div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden"> <div class="text-center">Discover more global Training opportunities on OFY <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=training" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a></div> </div> </div> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div></div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="pointer-events-none -mt-px h-px translate-y-(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom)" aria-hidden="true"></div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/03/council-of-europe-youth-advocacy-for-democracy-and-human-rights-training-course-2026-fully-funded-apply-by-14-august/">Council of Europe Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026 (Fully Funded) – Apply by 14 August</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>