11/08/2026 Culture, Science, Education and Media
Sona Ghazaryan (Armenia, ALDE), Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Youth and the Society of the Future, and Yevheniia Kravchuk (Ukraine, ALDE), Youth rapporteur of the Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, made the following statement today:
“On the occasion of 2026 International Youth Day (12 August), we celebrate the energy, courage and creativity of young people, not only as the leaders of tomorrow, but as essential partners in shaping our democracies today.
Across Europe and around the world, young people are standing up for democracy, human rights, climate action and peace, often in the face of war, disinformation, polarisation and growing pressure on civic freedoms. Their commitment reminds us that democracy cannot thrive without their voices.
The Parliamentary Assembly has called on governments to treat young people as equal partners in democratic decision making, not as passive observers. This means creating meaningful opportunities for participation at every level, from local communities to national parliaments and international institutions.
On this day, let us renew our commitment to listening to young people, trusting them and working with them to build a more democratic, inclusive and resilient Europe for present and future generations.”