The European conference on youth participation in local democratic life aims to strengthen youth participation in decision making at local and regional level, and therefore contribute to the revitalisation of democracy. It is also an occasion to learn from practices of youth democratic participation and to take part in the consultations concerning the revision of the European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life. Co-organised with the Braga Youth Centre, and in partnership with Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Municipality of Braga, the Portuguese Institute for Youth and Sports, and the European Youth Forum, it will bring together about 100 representatives of youth and local authorities and will take place in Braga between 5 and 7 February 2025.

Aim and objectives of the conference

The conference aims to strengthen youth participation in decision making at local and regional level, and therefore contribute to the revitalisation of democracy.

Objectives

• To discuss the practices, challenges and opportunities for youth participation in decision making at local and regional level with view to critically reflect and learn from each other;
• To provide participants the opportunity to contribute to the revision of the European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life;
• To reflect on the implementation of the Charter and the possible support measures for young people, youth councils and organisations, as well as local authorities;
• To learn about youth realities in Braga and the initiatives on youth participation of the municipality;
• To motivate participants to take action to strengthen the local youth participation in the follow-up of the conference.