When we started the think tank in 2019, we could not imagine that our fourth international youth conference in November 2022 would generate 217 applications from 57 countries. Just as little did we expect that The New York Times would profile three of our Youth Fellows in full coverage, or that we in May 2023 would publish a second edition of The Handbook for Innovative Democracy: Policy Proposals for Decision Makers. This is to say, that I am extremely proud of our Youth Fellows, and that I look very much forward to our fifth anniversary conference in Barcelona, the first European Capital of Democracy, on 20-23 November.

As always, we refuse apathy and pessimism, yet again strengthening our resolve to promote the voices and leadership of the youth. With determination and pride, we hereby open the call for applications to the fifth International Youth Conference.

You who are 18 to 24 years of age and are living in Europe at the time of the conference – let us entrust you with the challenges of our world and help you to develop actionable proposals that inspire prosperity and democracy – take the opportunity to start your development as a democracy innovator! As a participant in the conference, you will be given the opportunity to stay on in the think tank as one of our Youth Fellows to develop your ideas and present them at high-profile international events.

Take the chance to take the lead towards a sustainable future and an open democratic society.

Apply no later than 14 August.