Call for Partners for the 25th University on Youth and Development 2026 in Spain: Focus on AI, Youth, and Peace

The 25th edition of the University on Youth and Development (UYD) is officially calling for partners interested in shaping one of the most impactful international youth events focused on artificial intelligence, youth engagement, peacebuilding, and responsible digital governance. Scheduled to take place in Mollina, Spain, from 13 to 20 September 2026, this landmark edition invites youth-led and youth-oriented organisations from across Europe and beyond to organise activities aligned with the 2026 annual theme: “AI, Youth, and Peace: Preventing cybercrime and digital harm through responsible AI governance.”

Organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe within the framework of the iLEGEND III project, the University on Youth and Development has become a globally recognised platform for youth cooperation, dialogue, advocacy, networking, and leadership development. The 2026 edition aims to empower young people and organisations to contribute meaningfully to conversations surrounding ethical artificial intelligence, cyber safety, digital peace, and responsible innovation.

Applications for activity proposals are currently open, and interested organisations must submit their proposals before 24 May 2026.

What is the University on Youth and Development (UYD)?

The University on Youth and Development is an international youth event that has been bringing together youth organisations, institutions, decision-makers, field experts, and young leaders since the year 2000. Over the years, the UYD has evolved into a powerful international hub for youth advocacy, intercultural dialogue, peer learning, and collaborative action.

Held annually in Mollina, Spain, the programme creates a unique environment where organisations can host their own trainings, seminars, workshops, board meetings, discussions, and capacity-building activities within a broader collaborative framework.

The event attracts hundreds of participants from around the world who engage in week-long activities focused on youth policies, social development, leadership, peacebuilding, democracy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2026 edition places a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and its impact on youth, society, and peace.

2026 Theme: AI, Youth, and Peace

This year’s annual theme, “AI, Youth, and Peace: Preventing cybercrime and digital harm through responsible AI governance,” addresses one of the most important global conversations of our time.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education, communication, employment, governance, and social interaction, there is an increasing need to ensure that young people possess the skills and critical understanding necessary to navigate AI-powered digital environments safely and responsibly.

The 2026 University on Youth and Development will explore several major questions, including:

• How can young people develop critical AI literacy?
• What skills are necessary to navigate AI-driven digital spaces?
• How can youth contribute to ethical AI governance?
• What role can young people play in preventing cybercrime and digital harm?
• How can international cooperation strengthen digital peacebuilding initiatives?

The programme aims to encourage meaningful youth participation in discussions around digital rights, cyber ethics, online safety, and peace-oriented technology governance.

Why Organisations Should Participate

Participating organisations will gain the opportunity to become official partners of the 25th edition of the UYD and collaborate with an international network of youth organisations, institutions, and policy stakeholders.

Benefits of participation include:

International Visibility

Selected organisations will showcase their work on an international stage alongside leading youth institutions and organisations from around the world.

Networking Opportunities

The event provides extensive opportunities to connect with youth leaders, policy experts, NGOs, institutions, and development partners.

Capacity Building

Participants can engage in high-level discussions, workshops, peer-learning activities, and collaborative projects focused on AI governance, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Organisations joining the UYD partnership will collaborate with numerous international actors to strengthen the youth sector and develop sustainable initiatives.

Contribution to Global Youth Policy

Partners will actively contribute to conversations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and international youth policy priorities.

Promotion of Youth Empowerment

The event supports organisations committed to empowering young people as agents of positive social change.

What Types of Activities Can Be Proposed?

Organisations are invited to submit activity proposals connected to the annual theme. Proposed activities may include:

• Trainings
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Board meetings
• Roundtable discussions
• Capacity-building sessions
• Networking events
• Policy dialogues
• Educational programmes
• Peer-learning activities

Activities should align with the broader themes of AI, digital governance, cyber safety, youth participation, peacebuilding, and ethical technology development.

How to Apply

Interested organisations are encouraged to carefully review all official documents before submitting their proposals. Applicants should read the annual theme concept note and the official call for activities to fully understand the commitments, expectations, and partnership framework involved in participating in the event.

Required documents include:

• Annual Theme Concept Note
• Call for Activities
• Activity Proposal Form

Activity proposals must be submitted no later than 24 May 2026.

Selected organisations will officially join the partnership framework for the 25th edition of the University on Youth and Development and contribute to the successful implementation of the event.

About the Organisers

The University on Youth and Development is organised within the framework of the iLEGEND III project, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.

The initiative reflects a long-standing commitment to strengthening global youth participation, intercultural dialogue, democratic engagement, and sustainable development through international cooperation.

For organisations passionate about youth empowerment, peacebuilding, ethical technology, and responsible AI governance, the 25th edition of the UYD presents a major opportunity to engage with global stakeholders and help shape the future of youth participation in the digital age.

Deadline:

24th May,2026.

APPLY HERE

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