“Can democracy guarantee and deliver peace?”- A call for applications for the Youth Delegation World Forum for Democracy 2023 in France (Fully Funded)
“Can democracy guarantee and deliver peace?”- A call for applications for the Youth Delegation World Forum for Democracy 2023 in France (Fully Funded)
The World Forum for Democracy isa unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. By identifying and analysing experimental initiatives and practices, the Forum highlights and encourages democracy innovations at the grassroots and their transfer on a systemic level in order to strengthen the foundations of democratic societies. The Forum thus contributes to the evolution of democracy towards more participatory and inclusive structures and institutions.
“Can democracy guarantee and deliver peace?”- A call for applications for the Youth Delegation World Forum for Democracy 2023 in France (Fully Funded)
During the 2023 edition of the World Forum on Democracy the question in focus is “Can democracy guarantee and deliverpeace?”
The core content of the Forum will consist of discussions about successful initiatives and actions, which have real-life initiatives as a starting point. General guiding principles will then be drawn to encourage and support future policy responses and field action. In this context, the Youth Department of the Council of Europe will invite and prepare a delegation of young people to participate and engage with decision-makers and opinion-formers in a reflection on the question of “Democracy=Peace?”
Preparatory meeting: 4-5 November 2023,
Dates of the WFD: 6-8 November 2023
Applications procedure
All candidates must apply in 2 parts:
An online application form should be completed via this link: https://youthapplications.coe.int/Application-forms
A short 1 minute video should be posted on YouTube, with the link attached to the online application form (see instructions below).
The application form must be submitted on-line before 12th of July 2023, 13:00 CET (1 p.m.)
Forum Background
The return of war on the European continent caused such a shock that a renewed appreciation for peace, and worry for the welfare of democracy, has risen within the European and international communities. Armed conflicts, however, had never ceased to be a recurring threat in the world. The post Second World War vision of peace and prosperity, underpinned by democracy, never fully delivered. In the twenty-first century, the question is still open whether this vision can fulfill its promise. At a time when violence rages, inequalities are widening, and politics is polarizing – and when governments are struggling to cope with unforeseen events including climate change, pandemics and the rise of new technologies- now is the time to ask: can democracy deliver peace?
Eligibility
In order to be selected and participate in the World Forum 2023, youth applicants should:
▪ Be aged 18-30 (exceptions can be made in special cases);
▪ Be able to communicate and work in English;
▪ Be actively involved in civil society democracy initiatives;
▪ Be motivated to contribute to developing new ideas on democracy & peace;
▪ Be ready to share own challenges faced in relation to democracy& peace;
▪ Be ready to adopt a solution-oriented approach by bringing in new ideas and visions on the question of democracy & peace;
▪ Be 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 the 3rd of November and departing on the 9th of November).
Selection Criteria
The youth delegates will be chosen on the basis of these criteria, which will be assessed based on an analysis of the online form and the video submitted by applicants. The Council of Europe welcomes applications from all candidates who fulfil the above-mentioned profile, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation. The video to be sent by applicant should tell us about the applicant’s thoughts on democracy & peace and what should make us choose them to attend this particular edition of the WFD.
If the link to the video is not attached to the application form and/or is not accessible with the link you provide, the application will not be considered. For security concerns regarding video sharing, the secretariat should be contacted at the latest one week before the deadline at WFDYouth@coe.int The Youth Department and its team of trainers will select up to 60 participants on the basis of the profile outlined above. The selection will also take into account balance between genders, geographical regions, as well as different types of experiences, organisations, institutions and projects.
A waiting list may be established. Candidates will be informed during the first week 5 of September 2023 if their application has been accepted or rejected, and if they have been put on the waiting list. Please note that selected participants requiring a visa to travel to Strasbourg will need to start visa procedures immediately after being informed of their selection.
Funding
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 Friday, the 3rd of November and departure on Thursday, the 9th of November). Participants will be accommodated at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg (EYCS). You will be requested to share a room.
Application Deadline: 12 JULY 2023
Apply Here: https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/-/call-for-applications-world-forum-for-democracy-2023-youth-delegation
“Can democracy guarantee and deliver peace?”- A call for applications for the Youth Delegation World Forum for Democracy 2023 in France (Fully Funded)
