Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
The World Forum for Democracy is a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. The theme of the 2024 edition of the World Forum for Democracy is
“Democracy and diversity: Can we transcend the divides?”
2024 edition of the World Forum for Democracy will address the critical threats posed by disinformation and divisive political narratives around diversity, including in the context of election campaigns. The Forum will focus on how electoral processes inadvertently crystallise societal divides and provide fertile ground for populism to flourish. In light of the urgency of this challenge, the Forum will explore ways of raising understanding among citizens of the risks posed by populism for their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Profile of the Youth Participants
The youth delegation will bring together some 60 participants who represent the diversity of young people around the globe and bring in a variety of perspectives on Democracy and Diversity. In order to be selected and participate in the World Forum 2024, the youth applicants must be:
- Between 18 and 30 years of age;
- Able to communicate and work in English;
- Actively involved in youth organisations or other civil society organisations working with young people on issues of democracy and diversity;
- Motivated to share their experiences on democracy and diversity and to contribute to developing new ideas on democracy and diversity;
- Available to participate fully in the World Forum for Democracy and the preparation process beforehand (i.e. online preparation and onsite presence in Strasbourg arriving on 3 November and departing on 9 November).
The youth delegates will be chosen on the basis of these criteria, which will be assessed based on an analysis of the online application form.
The overall group should represent the various world regions, with a majority of participants coming from Council of Europe member states.
Financial and practical conditions of participation
- All selected participants should arrive on Sunday, the 3 of November and depart on Saturday, the 9th of November. The preparation programme for the Youth Delegation is obligatory for all selected participants and will take place on Monday and Tuesday (4th and 5th of November) at the European Youth Centre prior to the beginning of the Forum on the 6th of November 2024.
Travel expenses
Travel expenses and visa costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of the relevant receipts, according to the rules of the Council of Europe. Only the participants who attend the entire event (pre-Forum preparation and World Forum for Democracy) can be reimbursed. The payment will be made by bank transfer after the Forum. Prepaid tickets for travel can only be arranged in exceptional and justified cases.
Accommodation
Board and lodging are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe during the dates of the activity (arrival on Sunday, 3 November and departure on Saturday, 9 of November). Participants will be accommodated at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg.
Application Procedure:
- The application form must be completed online at https://youthapplications.coe.int before 30 June 2024, 23:59 CET.
- Potential applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance before the deadline in order to check that their registration is complete and to solve any possible technical problems before the deadline.
- Any email received after the deadline will not be considered.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted. In case of technical problems with the use of the platform, please send an e-mail to youthapplications@coe.int before the deadline.
- Emails received after the deadline will not be answered.
More Info: World Forum for Democracy
