As AI tools increasingly shape how youth organisations operate, this initiative underscores the need for conscious and informed usage by that ensuring technology serves young people rather than putting their rights at risk. The study session also draws on the principles of the Council of Europe’s newly adopted AI Convention, helping prepare the youth sector to act as advocates and watchdogs in this rapidly evolving landscape.
The study session pursues three key objectives: helping youth organisations remain vigilant and responsible when integrating AI into their work; supporting them to become vocal advocates for AI ethics within their structures and among their beneficiaries and building knowledge to navigate and contribute to key policy processes like the EU AI Act and the Council of Europe’s AI Convention, especially considering growing concerns around AI-driven discrimination.
By bridging policy with practice, the study session aims to position youth organisations as meaningful contributors to ethical AI governance and protectors of young people’s digital rights.
The study session is truly remarkable experience for the participants, offering a unique opportunity to engage also with staff members of the Council of Europe secretariat from various Units. They met representatives who shared insights into the organisation’s work on the AI Convention, the intersection of artificial intelligence with hate speech and hate crime, and the various forms of support available through the European Youth Foundation. Participants also explored pathways for meaningful youth advocacy at multiple levels, learning how they could get involved in the Council of Europe’s distinctive co-management structure either by applying to join the Advisory Council on Youth or by ensuring representation through their organisational networks.
Many participants reflected on this meeting saying that the exchange was impactful, affirming the importance of including young people in policy-making processes that shape their today and the future.
Link to the original text: Open your AIs: responsible use of AI tools by youth organisations discussed in Strasbourg – Youth
The study session is organised within the Youth for Democracy programme in cooperation with Connect International in with partner Curiosite Centre de Formation and expertise of Metamorphosis Foundation.
