This year, the University on Youth and Development celebrates its 23^rd edition on the annual theme "#ForTheCulture of Human Rights and the Rule of Law". It involves five partner organisations and will take place in Mollina, Spain, from 16 to 21 September. 

Part of iLEGEND III, a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, the University on Youth and Development (UYD) is a unique event faciliting the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences among young people, academics, policymakers, and civil society representatives.

It features a diverse programme of discussions, workshops, meetings, and networking opportunities. The event includes a joint programme designed by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe to create connections among participants from different activities, emphasizing both formal and non-formal education methods around the central theme : "#ForTheCulture of Human Rights and the Rule of Law".

The selected organisations and the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe will collaborate on this theme throughout the week, addressing key issues related to human rights and the rule of law in the youth sector.              

The 23rd edition of the UYD will include the following activities:

“Championing Dialogue for Cohesion”, Capacity-Building Workshop, by KAICIID: These advanced sessions for members of KAICIID platforms and networks graduate will cover intercultural and interreligious dialogue, combating hate speech and discrimination, and developing skills for facilitating dialogue and designing scalable initiatives. Participants will engage in interactive tools, simulations, and gamified activities to deepen their understanding of identity, stereotypes, and social cohesion.

Third training of the Rule of Law Youth Network, by the North-South Centre: Launched in January 2024, the first edition of RoLYN focuses on the connections between corruption and environmental degradation. The third training session will equip participants selected in this 2-year programme with practical skills for managing projects related to environmental protection and anti-corruption. This initiative, supported by the South Programme V, aims to encourage youth actions towards positive change in their communities.

“Global Education and Education for Sustainable Development" Training, by the North-South Centre: This training aims to provide new pedagogical skills and competences based on global education and sustainable development. Education practitioners in the formal and non-formal sector, active in civil society organisations or youth organisations/platforms/youth-related institution selected in the long-term course will meet for the first time. The course includes physical and remote dimensions will explore key concepts, intercultural learning, and pedagogical approaches, and develop competencies to promote sustainability and global education in their local contexts.

"Educate for Democracy" Training, by DYPALL: Designed to empower youth workers and leaders to replicate the "Educate for Democracy" programme in their communities, this training will cover citizen participation, democracy, media literacy, and youth leadership. Participants will use non-formal education methods to enhance their skills in these areas.

"YEU Developing YOUth, Shaping Chameleons of Tomorrow" Project, by Youth for Exchange and Understanding (YEU): Co-funded by the European Youth Foundation, this project focuses on improving youth work services and leadership skills using the Chameleon Leadership methodology. It aims to create sustainable and inclusive solutions, addressing digitalization, global citizenship, and gender equality, while promoting human rights and the rule of law.

Empowering Action: COP Delegate Training Programme, by the European Youth Forum: This training will prepare youth organisations for the 2024 Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the UNFCCC. It will provide an understanding of the conference structure, advocacy skills, and opportunities for impactful contributions to climate action and youth rights.

Editorial Meeting, for and by OBESSU: This three-day meeting will finalise OBESSU’s Policy Paper on "School Student Demands on Education 2040" and create advocacy tools for students' rights. Participants will engage in intercultural dialogue and human rights education while preparing for advocacy actions at the local level.

Follow up meeting of the Africa-Europe Stakeholders Meeting, by the North-South Centre: This meeting will follow up on the June 2024 gathering in Cidade Velha, Cabo Verde, and focus on planning the next steps in Africa-Europe youth cooperation.

Meeting of the Network on Youth and Global Citizenship, by the North-South Centre: This meeting will review the progress of the Network and plan future activities, bringing together youth-led organisations and international platforms from Europe and beyond.

Beyond the activities that are part of the joint programme, along with those organised by the North-South Centre and its partners, a series of sessions are planned to engage participants in a week rich in experiences and learning.

For more contextual information, please consult the call for activities. 

For more information about the previous edition, visit the webpage.

The UYD is part of the iLEGEND III, Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue, joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe: co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.