“Democracy and information” is the theme of the World Forum for Democracy in 2019 with two main threads:

• Democracy dies in darkness: are we getting the information we need?
• Information and the Future: lost in space or masters of our own fate?

The questions we must address in 2019 are to what extent the information is reliable, whether this helps or hinders citizens in taking part in democratic processes, and what lessons we should learn for ensuring the free flow of information in the future.

The core content of the Forum will consist of discussions about successful initiatives and actions, which have real-life initiatives as a starting point. General guiding principles will then be drawn to encourage and support future policy responses and field action.

In this context, the Youth Department of the Council of Europe will invite 50-60 young people to participate and engage with decision-makers and opinion-formers in a reflection on the question of Democracy and Information.

Who is eligible to apply?

In order to be selected and participate in the World Forum 2019, youth applicants should:
-Be aged 18-30 (exceptions can be made in special cases);
-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 ready to share own challenges faced in relation to media, fake news, information and its effects on
democracy;
-Be ready to adopt a solution-oriented approach by bringing in new ideas and visions on the question of
media, fake news, information and democracy;
-Be available to participate fully in the World Forum for Democracy and the preparation process
beforehand.

The youth representatives will be chosen on the basis of these criteria and a video to be submitted. The
Council of Europe welcomes applications from all candidates who fulfill the above mentioned profile,
irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour,
religion, belief or sexual orientation.
A few limited places will allow for participants from the previous editions of the World Forum to
participate.

How to apply?

All candidates must apply in 2 parts:
1. An online application form should be completed via this link:
https://youthapplications.coe.int/Application-forms
2. A short 1-minute video should be posted on YouTube or another video platform that can be accessed
easily, with the link attached to the online application form (see instructions – https://rm.coe.int/call-for-participants-wfd-2019/16809518b4%20). This video should tell us what it is that should make us choose you to attend this particular WFD. If the link to the video is not accessible the application will not be considered. If for reasons of personal security candidates do not wish to post on a public platform then the secretariat should be contacted before the deadline at WFDYouth@coe.int.

The application form including the video link must be submitted on-line before Friday 12 July 2019 CET
13:00 (1 p.m.)!

What are the participation fees?

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. The payment will be made by bank transfer after the
World Forum. Prepaid tickets for travel can only be arranged in exceptional and justified cases.

Board and lodging are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe (arrival on Sunday 3rd November and departure on Saturday 9th November). Participants will be accommodated at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg (EYCS). You might be requested to share a room. 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. Wi-fi is provided in the rooms.

If you have any inquiries, please send an email to WFDYouth@coe.int.

We wish you success in the application process!