The youth event “Confidence in the Future,” organized under Liechtenstein’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers and in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, took place at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg from 14 to 16 May 2024. This event highlighted the leadership and vision of young Europeans, whose active participation deeply inspires. It emphasized the crucial importance of young representatives in guiding the democratic institutions towards a vibrant future.
Over the past three days, discussions have highlighted the urgent need for youth empowerment mechanisms, not just as decision-makers but also as architects of innovative solutions. Participants addressed complex issues such as climate action, digital rights, youth-oriented institutions, democratic backsliding, and inclusive governance with remarkable insight and determination, demonstrating their potential to advance our core values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Reflecting on the origins of the Council of Europe, founded to unite a war-torn continent under shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, we acknowledge the ongoing challenges facing Europe. However, the spirit of unity and collaboration remains strong. The emphasis of the Reykjavik Declaration on promoting the youth perspective in democracy testifies to our commitment to investing in our democratic future.
“Confidence in the Future” was more than a celebration ; it was a forward-looking initiative aimed at harnessing the creativity, energy, and determination of young people to revitalize democracy and strengthen our human rights framework. The event provided a platform for young people to address pressing challenges and propose solutions, demonstrating their readiness to reshape policies that will define Europe’s future.
The Council of Europe is committed to fostering environments where young people can fully and effectively exercise their leadership, ensuring they have the necessary tools and opportunities. Reflecting on the success of this event, it is clear that the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary confirms the critical role of youth leadership in the Organization’s work
In the spirit of the Youth Sector Strategy 2030 and with our full support for implementing the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy, we reaffirm our dedication to a Europe where young people are not only inheritors of democratic values but also active architects of their evolution. The Advisory Council on Youth is committed to this vision and supports initiatives that embody these ideals, ensuring that the Council of Europe’s legacy remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.
Louise Dacharry