Building Bridges: Youth Collaboration at the Council of Europe Youth Event : Confidence in Tomorrow Conference
Written by Abhishek VATS (India)
Introduction
My name is Abhishek VATS, I’m a lawyer based in New Delhi, India. I had the distinct honour of representing the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) as an ASEF Alumnus at the Confidence in Tomorrow event, organised by the Council of Europe. Held from 14–16 May 2024, in Strasbourg, France, this event celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, and aimed to forge stronger ties between young people and the Council of Europe. The event played the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe.
Empowering Youth: A Central Theme
The Youth Event on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe Confidence in Tomorrow Conference was conceived to bring together young leaders from across Europe and beyond. Its primary goal was to enable young people to share their commitment to a democratic future and contribute to shaping the Council of Europe’s mission. The event emphasised the necessity of youth participation in the governance process, highlighting that young people are crucial stakeholders in the present and future.
Participants at the event distilled their ideas and aspirations into a powerful message for the Council of Europe’s members. This message, more than just a call to action, served as a robust tool to promote the values of democracy and human rights. It recognised that each young person holds the power to influence society and the future, but that they need allies in government and institutions to realise this potential. The message underscored the need for a shared commitment to creating a future in which young people can be confident.
Addressing Core Concerns
Throughout the three-day event, participants expressed deep concerns about the current political and social climate. There were questions regarding the capacity of institutions to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law amid increasing polarisation and oppression. Young people voiced their worries about the erosion of human rights when they are not effectively implemented, and the culture of impunity that allows duty bearers to shirk their responsibilities.
A significant theme was the urgent need to restore confidence in democratic institutions. Civic spaces are shrinking and, in some cases, are under direct attack. Furthermore, participants expressed a desire to make democracy resilient and appealing again, emphasising that young people should not be silenced for engaging in unconventional ways. They highlighted the numerous inequalities faced by youth — including those in employment, health, education, and housing — pointing out that these intersecting disadvantages lead to marginalisation.
The call for peace was unequivocal. In a world marred by conflict and violence, young people need a peaceful environment to focus on their future. Education was another critical area of concern. There was a call for educational systems that equip young people with the civic skills needed to participate actively in society, free from misuse as tools of social control or disinformation.
Working Group Participation
During the event, I had the privilege of participating in two dynamic working groups that offered valuable insights and stimulating discussions. The first, focused on Access to Justice, resonated with me deeply as a lawyer from New Delhi, India. We explored the challenges youth face in navigating the legal system, the necessity for effective remedies, and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Issues such as barriers to legal representation, lack of awareness about legal rights, and prohibitive costs were highlighted. This discussion highlighted the similarity between the challenges faced by youth in Europe and Asia and the need for international collaboration to enhance access to justice for young people globally.
The second working group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalisation examined both the positives and negatives of digitalisation’s impact on various aspects of life, including academics, habits, and productivity. Positives included increased access to information and educational resources, enhanced connectivity, and potential for innovation. However, concerns about mental health impacts, disinformation, and data privacy breaches were also discussed. My experience at the 5th ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS5), focusing on Leadership in Society 5.0, provided me with contemporary knowledge to engage deeply in these discussions. The session was enriching, addressing the fears and concerns of young people regarding AI’s implications for the future.
Personal Observations and Key Takeaways
Representing ASEF as an Alumnus at the Youth Event Confidence in Tomorrow was a profound honour. My experience as a participant in the 5th ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS5) in 2023 had already provided me with contemporary insights into the challenges youth face in Society 5.0. The Confidence in Tomorrow event made it clear that young people are deeply affected by global issues such as armed conflicts, human rights abuses, economic austerity, and the consequences of artificial intelligence. Despite these daunting challenges, the resilience and determination of young people to shape a better future was palpable. The event’s programme included plenary sessions and working groups on crucial themes like climate action, digital rights, democratic backsliding, and inclusive governance. A significant highlight was on 16th May — a dialogue session where young participants directly engaged with Ministers of Foreign Affairs, presenting key messages as part of the official closing ceremony at the Strasbourg Opera House.
The Youth Event also brought to the surface young people’s deep-seated concerns about the state of human rights. Participants expressed frustration over the gap between human rights rhetoric and implementation, noting how a culture of impunity erodes accountability and leaves many feeling marginalised. The collective message was clear: human rights must be upheld universally and without compromise. Democracy was another focal point, with participants highlighting their passion for robust and pluralistic democracy and their frustration with shrinking civic space and rising authoritarianism. They emphasised the need for inclusive and participatory democratic processes that amplify diverse voices. A key takeaway for me was the urgent need for genuine power-sharing between young people and duty-bearers. Governments, institutions, and representatives must actively involve young people in decision-making processes to build mutual trust and create a sense of confidence in the future.
The Youth Event brought together vibrant young leaders from across Europe, creating an exceptional platform for networking with diplomats, foreign ministers, and peers from various sectors. The event buzzed with energy, offering unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and form lasting friendships. Participants engaged in stimulating discussions and exchanged innovative ideas, enhancing their personal and professional development. This dynamic environment strengthened positive relations with the Council of Europe and the European Youth Centre with the delegates, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in shaping Europe’s future. The event underscored the power of networking in fostering collaboration and building a brighter, democratic Europe.
Conclusion:
The Council of Europe Youth Event Confidence in Tomorrow vividly illustrated the leadership and vision of young Europeans. Their active participation was a source of profound inspiration. The event highlighted the urgent need for mechanisms that empower youth not just as decision-makers but as architects of innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
As we move forward, it is clear that the legacy of the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary lies in its reaffirmation of the vital role of youth leadership in the organisation’s work. Council of Europe is dedicated to fostering environments where young people can fully exercise their leadership potential while ensuring they have the necessary tools and opportunities. The Youth Event Confidence in Tomorrow was a remarkable event that highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping a democratic future. As a delegate, I was deeply moved by the passion and dedication of the young leaders present. Their visionary proposals and commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law have set a course for a collaborative and vibrant future for Europe.
NOTE:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely by the author(s) and do not represent that of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
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