The Youth Perspectives for Democracy” Summer School  is organised within the framework of Youth in 4D, WSCF-Europe’s annual programme that empowers young people in our Student Christian Movements and NGOs across Europe to engage with the topic of democracy, critically assess its challenges, and take concrete action to strengthen democratic values in their communities.

Join us to explore together how democracy and Christian values connect, how young people can resist growing anti-democratic narratives, and how faith communities can become spaces for inclusion, participation, and action.

This is not a conference where you just sit and listen. We want to hear your voice!

The programme is built through non formal education, including interactive workshops, creative group activities, discussions, reflection spaces, and practical action-planning.

You will learn from other young people’s experiences, exchange perspectives from different European contexts, and develop ideas that you can bring back to your own community, church, organisation, or movement.

During the week, you will:

• Explore the foundations of democracy and retrace key democratic movements and struggles through interactive activities and discussions.
• Share and compare the realities young people face in different parts of Europe today.
• Reflect on how faith influences our understanding of democracy, justice, leadership, and human dignity.
• Discover inspiring stories of Christian communities and leaders resisting oppression and defending democratic values throughout history and today.
• Discuss difficult and relevant topics such as Christian fundamentalism, authoritarianism, and the challenges democracy faces in Europe.
• Take part in a democracy-themed treasure hunt across Paris, discovering places connected to democratic struggles, movements, and institutions.
• Develop concrete ideas for local projects, campaigns, or actions that you can implement in your own context after the activity.
• The programme also includes intercultural evenings, informal social activities, reflection groups, and participant-led spaces where you can share your culture, stories, music, art, and experiences with others.

We are looking for young people aged 18–30 from all council of Europe member states who are engaged in their organisations and communities, motivated, open to dialogue, and interested in exploring the role of faith and young people in shaping democratic societies. You do not need to be an expert in politics or theology, but be willing to engage, learn, share, and contribute.