Malta Hosts Europe Council Conference On Youth And Democracy

Ministers responsible for youth from the 46 Council of Europe member states gathered in Valletta for the 10th Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth, the first in 13 years, under the theme “Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action.”

Hosted by Malta, the landmark conference underscored Europe’s renewed commitment to empowering young people as active partners in democracy.Opening the event, Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, and Alain Berset, Council of Europe Secretary General,stressed the urgent need to rebuild youth trust in democratic institutions through genuine participation and dialogue.

The conference concluded with a Declaration recognising young people as key agents of change in Europe’s digital, demographic, and environmental transitions.

Ministers pledged concrete action to promote youth participation, tackle unemployment and housing barriers, and support mental health and education access, especially for those affected by conflict and digital exclusion.

Reaffirming youth rights to free expression and environmental activism, progress toward a European Charter on Youth Participation was welcomed.

The adoption of a new Reference Framework on a Youth Perspective marked a major step toward embedding youth voices in all areas of policymaking.

Malta’s leadership earned wide praise, with Luxembourg set to host the next conference in 2028.

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Photo Credit: DOI – Clifton Fenech