Join the Youth, Gender and Democracy for Belarus Forum (11–13 May, Stockholm)
The Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA”, the Representation for Social Policy of the United Transitional Cabinet, and the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, with the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, invite you to the Youth, Gender and Democracy for Belarus Forum.
On 11 May 2026, an international forum Youth, Gender and Democracy for Belarus Forum will take place in Stockholm, Sweden. The event will bring together youth activists, representatives of civil society from Belarus and Sweden, experts, researchers, and political leaders to discuss key issues related to youth participation in decision-making, gender equality, engagement in political life in Belarus, and the democratic movement.
The forum will serve as a platform for open dialogue on the role of young people in socio-political processes, the current challenges faced by democratic initiatives, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between activists, civil society organisations, and international partners.
Throughout the day, participants will take part in panel discussions and thematic working groups. This will be an opportunity to share experiences, successful practices, and tools for project development, as well as to jointly explore ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen the sustainability of youth initiatives.
Key topics of the forum include:
- Engaging audiences inside Belarus – communication challenges under repression, and new approaches to informing, engaging, and supporting youth and civic initiatives within the country.
- Gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights – the current situation, key challenges, and possible ways to support and develop inclusive initiatives in Belarus and in exile.
- The role of youth in politics – challenges and opportunities for young activists’ participation in socio-political processes and strengthening the role of youth in the democratic movement.
- Capacity building of youth initiatives – needs, opportunities, and current challenges in strengthening sustainability and cooperation among youth initiatives.
In addition to discussions, participants will work in thematic groups, where they will address key challenges in smaller teams, share practical experience, and jointly develop recommendations and ideas for future initiatives and cooperation.
The outcomes of the working groups will form the basis for recommendations that the Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” will further develop and share with participants, as well as use in advocacy with international partners.
Participants of this forum are also invited to take part in the Eastern Partnership Youth Conference 2026, which will take place on 12–13 May 2026
The Eastern Partnership Youth Conference 2026 is an international gathering of young leaders, activists, and representatives of youth organisations from the Eastern Partnership countries and the European Union, dedicated to the future of civic space for youth in the region. The conference will provide a platform to discuss the challenges young people face today — from shrinking civic space and repression against organisations to disinformation and limited participation in public life.
Participants will have the opportunity to build new partnerships, exchange ideas, and jointly develop recommendations to strengthen youth participation in democratic processes. The outcomes of these discussions will contribute to joint recommendations on supporting youth and developing civic space in the Eastern Partnership countries.
Important: The events will be held in English without interpretation.
Organisers will cover travel, accommodation, and meals.
Register here
Application deadline: 20 March (incl.)
For any questions, please contact: [email protected]
