The Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy is an annual gathering of leaders, opinion-makers, civil society activists, representatives of business, social innovators, academia, and media to debate key challenges for democracies worldwide and encourage democratic innovation.
“Can Democracy Save the Environment?” is the theme of the World Forum for Democracy in 2020.
In this context, the Youth Department of the Council of Europe is inviting 50-60 young people to participate and engage with decision-makers and opinion-formers in a reflection on the question of Democracy and Environment.
Preparing for the World Forum on Democracy
To best prepare for the World Forum, selected participants will gather in Strasbourg two days before the start of the World Forum to learn about the Council of Europe and its work with youth, to get to know each other, to develop their ideas, plan their actions and work together.
All selected participants should arrive on 13 November and depart on 19 November.
The youth preparation meeting will take place for all participants on 14 and 15 November in the European Youth Centre before the World Forum begins on 16 of November 2020.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, some participants might take part in a remote way if they cannot travel to France;
During the World Forum for Democracy
The youth participants will join the different labs and side events. Participants may also be given particular roles in the labs and side-events according to their interests and competences (rapporteurs, moderators, audience…).
Who can apply
Eligible candidates should:
– Be aged 18-30 (exceptions can be made in special cases);
– Be able to communicate and work in English;
– Be actively involved in civil society democracy initiatives;
– Be motivated to contribute to developing new ideas on youth and democracy;
– Be ready to share own challenges faced in relation to media, fake news, information and its effects on democracy;
– Be ready to adopt a solution-oriented approach by bringing in new ideas and visions on the question of environment and democracy;
– Be available to participate fully in the World Forum for Democracy and the preparation process beforehand.
APPLY
How to apply
All candidates must submit an online application form.
They should also post a short 1-minute video on YouTube or another video platform that can be accessed easily, with the link attached to the online application form.
The video should tell the entrants’ motivation to attend the WFD. If the link to the video is not accessible the application will not be considered. If for reasons of personal security candidates do not wish to post on a public platform then the secretariat should be contacted before the deadline at WFDYouth@coe.int.
Please note that selected participants requiring a visa to come to Strasbourg will need to start visa procedures immediately after being informed of their selection.
The common working language of the event will be English.
Travel expenses and visa costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of the relevant receipts, according to the rules of the Council of Europe.
Board and lodging are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe (arrival on 13 November and departure on 19 November).
Participants will be accommodated at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg (EYCS).
Deadline: 28 July 2020, 13:00 CEST.
Read more here.
