Strengthening Local Youth Councils in the AI age

The activity is framed within the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in civic participation and youth work. It aims to strengthen participants’ critical AI literacy and support a reflective approach to how digital tools can enhance (but not replace) democratic participation processes. Special attention is given to ethical, inclusive and rights-based use of emerging technologies in youth engagement.

The training focuses on the practical use of the Quality Charter for participatory and inclusive Local Youth Councils, developed by DYPALL Network within the LYCIS project. Participants will learn how to apply this toolkit to evaluate the effectiveness of their Local Youth Councils and identify areas for improvement.

The methodology is based on non-formal education principles, combining peer learning, group work, simulations, case studies, reflection activities, and exchange of practices among participants from different local realities. Participants will analyse real challenges faced by Local Youth Councils and co-create practical recommendations and action plans to strengthen participation structures at the local and European levels.

Objectives of the training: 

• Strengthen understanding of democratic participation and the role of Local Youth Councils (LYCs) in local governance
• Develop practical skills in using the Quality Charter to assess and improve LYCs
• Enhance critical thinking and AI literacy in the context of youth participation and civic engagement
• Promote ethical, inclusive and rights-based approaches to the use of digital tools and AI in youth work
• Build participants’ capacity to design and implement actions that strengthen youth participation at the local level
• Improve facilitation and peer-learning competencies for working within youth councils and youth networks

The training course will take place within the framework of the 25th University on Youth and Development (UYD), the longest-standing youth university of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.

The 2026 edition, under the theme “AI, Youth, and Peace: Preventing cybercrime and digital harm through responsible AI governance”, will strengthen individual digital safety competencies while also addressing broader challenges linked to AI-enabled digital harms and cybercrime. The programme will explore how youth engagement, critical AI literacy, and responsible governance approaches can help prevent digital harm and contribute to more democratic and peaceful societies.