World Forum for Democracy, Strasbourg
We joined the World Forum for Democracy 2025 in Strasbourg, hosted at the Council of Europe, where for three days this became our working space.
The Forum brought together over 3,000 participants from around the world, activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and decision-makers, all exploring what democracy looks like today and how participation can take new forms.
We were there with AMPLIFY: Citizens, our platform that connects young people from rural and small urban communities to decision-making processes. The project focuses on helping young people move from ideas to concrete public policy proposals, using formats that are simple, collaborative, and easy to run in local contexts.
Democracy Innovation Award
AMPLIFY: Citizens was selected among the top 21 initiatives out of more than 470 applications worldwide and was nominated by the Council of Europe for the Democracy Innovation Award. For us, this was a confirmation that the work we are building together with young people is relevant beyond our immediate context.
”We believe in the power of creativity to connect people and break down barriers.”
During the Forum, we presented how the platform works in practice. Young people take part in facilitated sessions where they discuss local issues, shape their ideas, and turn them into structured recommendations. These are then shared with decision-makers, creating a clearer path between participation and actual influence.
The project is supported by a growing network. In its first year, AMPLIFY: Citizens brought together 45 young volunteers and 12 educators who support activities in their communities. Together, they run sessions, test formats, and contribute to a shared process that can be adapted and used in different places.
This work is also strengthened through partnerships. Together with People Powered, we developed new participatory formats and methods for engaging young people in policymaking. Through our Policy Toolkit, participants learn how democratic processes work and how they can contribute in a structured way. The project is supported by the European Parliament, through DG COMM, and by ALDA Europe.
Being in Strasbourg was also about exchange. We met people working on similar questions, tested ideas, and reflected on how participation can be more inclusive and closer to people’s everyday realities.
We leave with more clarity on what needs to be built next and with the same commitment to continue investing in young people and in the role creativity can play in democratic life.
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