Strengthening Local Youth Councils in the AI age
Training Course 13-20 September 2026 | CEULAJ, Mollina, Spain
This training activity aims to empower members of Local Youth Councils (LYCs) with the skills, knowledge, and critical understanding needed to assess and improve the quality of the consultative bodies they are part of.
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.
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Your kind of training?
Apply now!Application deadline (24h UTC): 28 June 2026Date of selection: 3 July 2026
Training overview
http://trainings.salto-youth.net/14970
This Training Course is
for 18 participants
from Eastern Partnership countries 
, Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries , Southern Mediterranean countries , Western Balkan countries
and recommended for
Youth workers, Youth leaders, Youth policy makers
Accessibility info:
This activity and venue place are accessible to people with disabilities.
Working language(s):
English
Organiser:
DYPALL Network (Others)
DYPALL Network (Developing Youth Participation at the Local Level) is a European platform of civil society organisations, local authorities and research institutions focusing on youth participation in decision-making processes at the local level.
We stand for active and meaningful involvement of young people in local democracies through cooperation with local authorities and we provide the space and the resources for capacity building and exchange of good practices among our members.
More info: www.dypall.com
Contact for questions:
Emma Genovese
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: +393933605266
Costs
Participation fee
There is no participation fee.
Accommodation and food
Accommodation and meals will be provided by the organisers.
Travel reimbursement
Flight tickets shall be bought only after confirmation from the organisers. Travel expenses to and from the venue will be reimbursed up to a maximum per country/per participant (including all travel costs from the participant’s home to the venue).
Reimbursement will be done via bank transfer after the activity (within 2 months).