In line with Norwegian priorities, the Action Plan from the Warsaw Summit 16-17 May 2005 gives priority to young citizens of Europe. The violent conflicts in today’s society is in many ways a mirror of social exclusion. Be it persecution of minorities, discrimination against religious groups and practices, gender inequality, and insufficient integration of disabled people, the effects of social exclusion divide society and young people.
13/02/2006 ::
The Council of Europe’s main aims in the field of youth is therefore:
- the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue;
- to encourag the involvement of young people in public life to increase participation and democratic citizenship (e.g. long term training course on the role of young people and youth organisations in promoting youth participation in society in Moldova, May and December 2006); and
- developing youth policies.
The Council of Europe fosters its principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law through empowering young people to play an active role in finding solutions to the challenges facing European societies today. To achieve these goals, the Council of Europe is working in close co-operation with non-governmental youth organisations, youth services and networks, and has set up a European Youth Centre in Budapest (EYCB) organising various education programmes, including seminars, training courses and symposia for young Europeans. Through its partnership with the European Commission, the Council of Europe has set up a European Knowledge Centre for Youth Policy which provides topics on youth policy, participation, better understanding of youth, and voluntary activities.