Council of Europe: a partner in youth empowerment

YMCA Europe and the Council of Europe have a longstanding partnership aimed at promoting youth participation and non-formal learning opportunities for young people across Europe.

The Council of Europe is an international organization that promotes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across its 47 member states. YMCA Europe shares these values and has a long history of working with young people to promote social inclusion, active citizenship, and leadership development.

One of the key areas of cooperation between YMCA Europe and the Council of Europe is the implementation of different projects aiming to promote the peace work, social inclusion, active participation of young people, particularly those who are marginalized or disadvantaged, through the development of youth-friendly services and activities. The projects are organised as international activities, seminars, and other events designed to build the capacity of youth workers and youth organizations to engage young people effectively. YMCA Europe is one of the key partners in the “Enter” project, and has been involved in its development and implementation since its inception in 2005.

YMCA Europe has a long-standing partnership with the European Youth Centres in Strasbourg and Budapest, which are part of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe. The European Youth Centres provide a range of facilities and services aimed at promoting the development and well-being of young people across Europe, including training courses, seminars, and other events.

We are honored to have a longstanding partnership with the European Youth Foundation (EYF). The EYF is an independent organization that operates under the auspices of the Council of Europe, providing financial support and other resources to youth-led projects across the continent.

Through this partnership, YMCA Europe and the EYF are working together on a range of initiatives aimed at promoting the active participation and engagement of young people in society. This has included joint projects and events focused on issues such as peace and reconciliation, youth empowerment, social inclusion, and intercultural dialogue.

Through this ongoing partnership, YMCA Europe and the Council of Europe have been able to leverage their respective strengths and expertise to create innovative programs and initiatives that empower young people and promote their active participation in society. We share a common vision of a Europe that is inclusive, democratic, and committed to the well-being and development of all its citizens, and their partnership is an important contribution to realizing this vision.