Eurobalkan Youth Forum

The Eurobalkan Youth Forum is a non-profit, non-governmental, independent, informal advisory group, active all around Southeast Europe and especially Greece, Turkey and the Western Balkans 6, led by young women of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The idea of creating an interregional forum was inspired after our participation in an international program launched by the Council of Europe, called Enter! access to social rights for young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The very first members were beneficiaries of this program living in Thessaloniki and then participants in other CoE activities. The Forum is interested in topics related with democracy, active citizenship, sustainability, but also youth policy and youth work, both as an object of academic/scientific research, but also as a topic of advocacy and grassroots activity. The Forum has also pioneered with the organization of innovative initiatives promoting intercultural dialogue and conflict transformation among countries or communities in the region in frozen conflict or maintaining minimal relations. The Forum is open to all people guided by the values of democratic participation, human rights and respect to diversity, while it envisions sustainable societies together with youth. Membership is free. The Forum provides equal access to local, regional and international opportunities (such as educational programs, cultural initiatives, projects, vocational training, academic research, training of teachers and activists etc.). and facilitates the creation of synergies beyond race, ethnicity, religion, gender or nationality. The Forum is led by a Board, consisting of young people, which is elected annually via an open and democratic process. Its activities are under the supervision of the Scientific Chair. Insights are also provided by senior and junior mentors, many of whom have benefited from CoE programs related with human rights education, democracy, gender equality and youth participation. The Forum gives voice to young people from disadvantaged, isolated and/or refugee communities (especially those who cannot exit the country due to visa restrictions) and allows them to unfold their talents and enhance their skills through educational, vocational and networking opportunities. With the UN SDGs at the heart if its agenda, the Forum works closely with governmental and non-governmental bodies in the promotion of the rights of young people and children, via advocacy, youth diplomacy, grassroots youthwork, capacity building processes for both individuals and NGOs and provision of ongoing training and peer education. More photos and open calls can be found on our social media accounts: Instagram: @youth_forum2019 FB: Eurobalkan Youth Forum (private group) If you are interested in a partnership (Erasmus Plus, EYF, etc.) or have a concrete project idea, please us: Email: WhatsApp: