“Re-writing democracy: connecting institutions and citizens in the digital age”
Introduction: The European Youth Foundation is facilitating the participation of young people in the second edition of the World Forum for Democracy by organising this event in Strasbourg.
Objectives: The main goal of the Forum is to involve young people in re-thinking how democratic participation could be enhanced by a creative engagement with digital media. Participants will discuss innovative ideas to enhance citizens’ participation in democratic life. In particular, participants will be asked to reflect upon ways in which an increased participation of citizens in democratic life could also ensure institutions’ transparency and responsiveness to citizens’ needs and aspirations. Participants will have the opportunity to attend 20 creative laboratories led by experts in different fields. Prior to the beginning of the Forum, participants will interact via an e-learning platform and they will start discussing strategies to enhance youth active participation in political life.
Venue: Strasbourg (France)
Dates: 27 to 29 November 2013
Eligibility: Applications are invited from individuals aged between 18 and 30 residents of the Council of Europe member states (a list of the 50 eligible countries is available here) plus Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Holy See. In order to be considered, you have to be a representative of a youth NGO active at local, regional, national, or European level and working on issues related to the aims of the Forum. You must demonstrate to have experience in leading democratic initiatives such as the promotion of democratic processes in the areas in which you and your NGO are active. Participants must speak English fluently and they must have previous experience as public speaker.
Why it is important for NGOs to attend it: Individuals working in NGOs or informal groups are invited to participate in order to reflect upon concrete strategies to increase citizens’ participation in the democratic life of their country. You will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with other likeminded individuals and to examine initiatives that promote democratic participations with the aim of proposing new and innovative strategies. You will have the possibility to discuss your ideas and projects with international actors and, as such, to confront ideas and methods elaborated by your organisations to increase democratic participation in your country. You will also have the possibility to meet civil society actors with different background and experience to develop new networks of collaboration. Importantly, the day after the end of the Forum (30 November) will be dedicated to the strategic planning of follow-up actions among the participants to the Forum.
Fees: The Council of Europe will provide board and lodging at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. Travel costs will be covered upon presentation of relevant receipts; participants will be reimbursed after the event and only if they have attended the entire program.
Application deadline: 9 August 2013 (midnight CET)
How to apply: Candidates must submit their expression of interest accompanied by an update CV to eyf@coe.int before the deadline. Selected participants will be informed by mid August.
Additional information can be found here
