World Forum for Democracy “Freedom vs Control: For a Democratic Response”
Deadline: 30 August 2015 Open to: young aged 16-30 worldwide Venue: 18-20 November 2015, Strasbourg, France
Description
The Joint Council on Youth, decision-making structure co-managed by representatives of governments and youth NGOs, has agreed to involve the youth sector of the Council of Europe in the 2015 edition of the World Forum for Democracy.
The 4th edition of the World Forum for Democracy will engage with decision makers and opinion-formers in a reflection on how to maintain a balance between freedom and control for security in European societies and will explore new ways of engaging young people in re-visioning the democratic arenas of today. The World Forum will take a place from 18-20 November 2015 in Strasbourg, France. The initiatives and ideas to be presented at the forum will be discussed in labs and roughly cover the four following key categories:
How much control kills democracy?
Freedom from fear in a diverse society?
Is learning of democratic culture adequate today?
Is freedom of expression and information a reality?
Eligibility
In order to be selected and participate in the World Forum 2015, applicants should:
Be aged 16-30 (exceptions can be made in special cases);
Be resident in one of the 50 signatory States of the European Cultural Convention of the Council of Europe, 30 places will be made available for participants from other regions outside the European continent;
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 youth and democracy;
Be supported by a youth organisation or network or informal group working on democracy; some non-organised individuals will also be accepted;
Be ready to share own challenges faced in accessing freedom of expression and dealing with control and violence;
Be ready to adopt a solution-oriented approach by bringing in new ideas and visions of democracy;
Be ready to dream democracy;
Be available to participate fully in the World Forum for Democracy and the preparation process beforehand;
Experience or involvement in the No Hate speech movement at local, national or international level will be an asset;
As far as possible, participants should be representative of the variety of youth in Europe. Therefore, special attention will be given to young people from marginalised backgrounds, representatives of minority organisations or youth movements.
Costs
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 meeting and World Forum) can be reimbursed.
Board and lodging are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe (arrival on Monday 16 November and departure on Saturday 21 November). Participants will be lodged at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg (EYCS). The EYCS is fully accessible to young people with disabilities and ready to adapt to young people’s special needs in order to ensure full inclusion and quality working conditions.
How to apply?
All candidates must apply in 2 parts:
An online application form should be completed; here copy and past the link http://youthapplications.coe.int/Application-forms
A short 1 minute video should be posted on YouTube, with the link attached to the online application form
Candidates will be informed if their application has been accepted or rejected, and if they have been put on the waiting list, by 16 September 2015.
Deadline for applying is 30 August 2015.
In case of technical problems with the use of the platform, please send an email toWFD2015Youth@coe.int.
For more information please check the official website :http://youthapplications.coe.int/
by Fofana O .Kerfala
President & Founder of Together As One
