The Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe is a unique platform for cooperation between government bodies and youth organizations of the continent. In fact, the decisions made during its discussions determine youth policy throughout all of Europe.
Although Belarus is not a member of the Council of Europe, Belarusian youth have the opportunity to assert themselves in the international arena and influence key processes in various spheres. At the European Youth Forum in Strasbourg, Margarita Vorykhava was elected to represent Belarus in the Advisory Council.
“My priority will be to protect the interests of young people from all over Europe and, of course, from Belarus. I will aim to gain full support from the member states of the Council of Europe in Belarus’ pursuit of democracy. For us, this will mean strengthening the support for Belarusians in the international arena”, explains Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava.
Let us emphasize. This is the first case when someone from Belarus is represented in the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe. The inclusion of a representative of Belarus guarantees that our problems will be highlighted.
1. What is the Advisory Council?
The Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe deals with youth policy development. It consists of 30 representatives from youth organizations and NGOs. The council operates based on a cooperative approach, where government and youth representatives from various organizations work together. This body ensures that young people are recognized as equal partners in policy development, embodying the principle of “nothing about us without us”.
The council aims to address specific issues related to youth and to develop recommendations for member states of the Council of Europe, as well as to advise the Committee of Ministers. Essentially, it serves as a platform where different viewpoints are brought together, and recommendations are formulated, which directly influence the well-being and interests of youth.
2. How can the Advisory Council benefit Belarusian youth?
Despite Belarus not being a member state of the Council of Europe, Belarusians can actively participate in decision-making on policies that directly affect them.
A vivid example of the council’s influence is its full support for the Council of Europe’s Contact Group on Belarus. Belarusian youth can contribute to shaping pan-European policies, expanding their opportunities, and representing themselves on the international stage.
3. What role does Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students play?
Marharyta Vorykhava is the representative elected by the European Youth Forum to the Advisory Council on Youth. Her role is to advocate for the interests of young people across Europe and, specifically, from Belarus.
Ms. Vorykhava will focus on ensuring the full support of the Council of Europe member states in Belarus’ pursuit of democracy. This involves mobilizing support for Belarusians in the international arena. Ms. Vorykhava’s election to the council also emphasizes the importance of democracy, human rights, and the voice of Belarusian youth in the international agenda.
4. What does representation in this body mean?
This is the first time someone from Belarus (or any other state that is not a member of the Council of Europe) has the opportunity to be represented in this body. The inclusion of a representative from Belarus not only signifies a step towards greater inclusivity but also guarantees that our issues will be highlighted at the forefront.
5. What impact can Belarus’ membership in the council make?
One of the privileges of membership in the Advisory Council on Youth Affairs is participation in the allocation of funds to the youth sector through the European Youth Foundation. This can be directed toward supporting initiatives, programs, and projects that benefit Belarusian youth.
Additionally, the Advisory Council discusses various issues, including positions on current problems. This means there is an opportunity to influence the Council of Europe to take a firm stance on events and issues faced by the Belarusian civil society.
6. Can Belarusians participate in the council’s work?
If you believe that the Council of Europe should take a certain stance on a specific issue, adopt recommendations, or formulate specific policies, please contact us.
Regardless of whether you are in Belarus or abroad, if you see opportunities for positive change or ways to contribute to the well-being of youth, do not hesitate to share your ideas – we are open to implementing each of them in practice.
