Council of Europe and RADA invite you to a Strategic Workshop in Strasbourg

17 / Mar.
Events, News

Belarusian youth have faced unprecedented challenges: persecution, the dissolution of NGOs, repression against civil society, and forced emigration. Despite these obstacles, young Belarusians remain catalysts for change, organizing initiatives, defending democratic values, and building an independent future.

The Council of Europe in cooperation with the Belarusian National Youth Council RADA invite you to a strategic workshop titled “A Youth Agenda for Democracy and Human Rights in Belarus”, to be held from April 10 to 12, 2025, at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. The workshop aims to

discuss the role of youth in Belarus’s democratic transition by identifying the challenges and priorities of Belarusian youth, both inside and outside the country, in the context of policy discussions at the Council of Europe and other relevant European institutions;
engage with representatives of the Council of Europe, PACE, and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities to strengthen participants’ connections with elected officials and institutions and influence the European policy agenda by providing direct input to decision-makers;
explore European youth initiatives and adapt them to the Belarusian context by identifying and analyzing relevant comparative approaches and initiatives at both European and grassroots levels and translating them to the Belarusian context;
participate in practical training on leadership development and civic engagement to strengthen the skills of youth leaders and activists, enabling them to participate effectively and meaningfully in democratic processes and take responsibility for the democratic future of their country once change occurs;
develop recommendations to enhance youth participation in political and public life by addressing the challenges of political engagement of young Belarusians, both nationally and internationally.

Who are we looking for? We are seeking up to 35 young Belarusian leaders and activists aged 18 – 35 who:

actively contribute to the democratic transformation of Belarus through independent civic, social, cultural, or political activities;
share the values of the Council of Europe, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law;
aim to develop their leadership skills and impact Belarus’s future by participating effectively in democratic processes and taking responsibility for the country’s democratic future;
are proficient in English and able to engage in discussions and activities conducted in English;
reside in Belarus or one of the Council of Europe member states.

The Council of Europe will cover transportation, meals, and accommodation at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. Participants are expected to arrive on April 9 and depart on April 12 in the afternoon.

For a detailed description of the workshop’s conditions, goals, and objectives, please refer to the official call for participants.

Application deadline: March 26, 2025, 23:59 (CET)
Workshop dates: April 10 – 12, 2025
Location: European Youth Centre, Strasbourg

Important! To complete the application form, prior registration on the website is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email, which may be directed to your “Spam” folder or other sections of your email.