Strasbourg, 11.08.2026 - "Young people across Europe come from different communities, cultures and backgrounds, yet they often share a common aspiration: to have a meaningful voice in decisions shaping their future and to contribute to more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies. This year's International Youth Day theme - Different Contexts, Common Aspirations - reminds us that diversity is a precondition for vibrant democracies and that young people's voices must be heard in every policy area and at every level of governance," said Emmi Lintonen (Finland, R, SOC/G/DP), the Congress Thematic Spokesperson on Youth.
"Youth participation is a cornerstone of inclusive governance, effective policymaking, and sustainable development. This is especially important in a time of continuous societal transformation, marked by democratic decline and political polarisation, and rapid digitalization and growing inequalities, which are eroding trust in democracy when it is in young people's interests to keep faith in it.
"As a milestone in promoting youth participation, the Congress adopted the new European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life in October 2025, followed by the Committee of Ministers in March 2026. This new instrument encourages the participation of young people in political processes at local and regional levels and formally recognises that "in a rapidly evolving world, the ways young people choose to participate are as diverse as they are".
"International Youth Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all young people - regardless of specific circumstances, resources or life realities - can freely and effectively participate in democratic life at all levels of governance."
