The European Youth Conference takes place in Braga, between 5 and 7 February and is co-organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department and the Braga Youth Centre, and in partnership with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Municipality of Braga, the Portuguese Institute for Sports and Youth and the European Youth Forum.

 The conference aims to strengthen youth participation in decision making at local and regional levels, and therefore contribute to the revitalisation of democracy. It will bring together approximatively 100 young representatives of local and regional youth councils, youth civil society and local authorities to learn from practices of youth democratic participation and to take part in the consultations concerning the revision of the European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life carried by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities  in partnership with the Joint Council on Youth.
 

 Aim and objectives of the conference

The conference aims to strengthen youth participation in decision-making at local and regional levels, and therefore contribute to the revitalisation of democracy.
 

 Objectives

• To discuss the practices, challenges and opportunities for youth participation in decision-making at local and regional levels with view to critically reflect and learn from each other;
• To provide participants the opportunity to contribute to the revision of the European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life ;
• To reflect on and prepare the grounds for the future implementation of the revised Charter and the possible support measures for young people, local youth councils and organisations, as well as local authorities;
• To learn about youth realities in Braga and the initiatives on youth participation of the municipality;
• To motivate participants to take action to strengthen the local youth participation in the follow-up of the conference.
   

  How to apply to take part in the conference

 Read carefully the call for participants and see if you fit the profile. The call gives you also information about the practical conditions for participation.

 All candidates must apply online via relatively available form at https://youthapplications.coe.int/ by is 4 November 2024, 13:00 hrs CET. The candidates who are using the platform for the first time are required to create an account by the link.