Power of YOUth in a Democratic World – Seven Days of Opportunities, Values, and the Power of Acting Together
Between February 17 and 23, 2025, 29 young people from Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Romania gathered for the youth exchange Power of YOUth in a Democratic World.
Over the course of seven days, they discussed democracy, active citizenship, European values, and the tools they can use to engage and promote democratic principles.
Why Talk About Democracy and European Values with Youth from Non-EU Countries?
As the program neared its end, Andrei Dobre told the participants: “In your lifetime, there is a high chance you will witness major political regime changes. Maybe one day, you will be part of the European Union. And I hope you will. But for that, you need to be prepared.”
We know that democracy is won, but it can also be easily lost. We also know that it is crucial to collaborate, remain open to learning, and strive to make decisions that cause the least discomfort to our communities, even when they are difficult.
Our partners in this youth exchange were Nisma ARSIS from Albania, Youth Opportunities Club NGO from Armenia, SPACE NGO from Georgia, and the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from Moldova.
They identified young volunteers, students, activists, and future social workers—all united by their interest in democracy and their desire to make a difference in their communities. Each participant arrived with fears, expectations, and personal contributions, which they shared from day one.
Seven Full Days
The first day focused on getting to know each other and setting the framework: Who are we? How will we live together for a week? Why are we here? On the second day, we introduced Sleepyville, a role-playing game simulating a council meeting.
Decisions are based on values, interests, and needs—and representing them is necessary if we want our voices to be heard. This realization led to discussions about rights and responsibilities and how a state looks when they are upheld or violated.
With the understanding that no democracy is perfect, the third day started with a theoretical discussion on how democracies function, followed by the 2030 SDG Game.
We know that Earth’s resources are limited, individual interests differ, and each plays a critical role in shaping our world. Though just a game, the outcome closely resembled our current reality.
Motivated by the idea that change is possible, even as the clock ticks, the fourth day began with a construction exercise. First, we built our dream houses, then our ideal lives, and finally, a community where all these unique perspectives co-exist. We created roads, malls, and schools.
Surprisingly, participants initially overlooked gathering places, civil society, and cultural and recreational facilities. Focused on shaping the community based on individual needs, they left out elements that foster community dialogue. A youth center does not replace the need for a theater, cinema, community center, or public square. This realization led them to reflect on common values within a community and how, instinctively, we recreate the world we live in.
The day revolved around dilemmas. Participants had to take a stance on various statements and justify their choices. When time was up, they went on a treasure hunt through the city, tracing historical moments that left physical marks on the urban landscape.
On the fifth day, we discussed local, national, and European contexts. We tried to better understand why our home countries look the way they do—and, most importantly, what connects us and why that matters.
The day ended with clarifications: What is the Council of Europe, and how is it different from the European Council? What are the other European institutions, and why are they important?
As we neared the end, we focused on the tools young people have access to, including those available to non-EU youth. What does the ladder of participation look like? What role do volunteering, elections, and activism play?
On the final day, we created an action plan. We reflected on our journey, embraced each other tightly, and said goodbye—hoping to meet again soon.
Emotional Well-being and the State of Democracy
Mental health is the key that links numerous components that, on their own, may not seem connected. However, today’s geopolitical situation demands resilience.
In a time when news and political events can feel overwhelming, emotional resilience becomes a crucial asset. It allows us to stay grounded, manage uncertainty better, and remain engaged, even when change seems slow or difficult.
Civic engagement is also closely tied to our ability to be empathetic.
When people feel powerless or anxious about political realities, they are more likely to become apathetic and withdraw from community participation. On the other hand, emotional well-being supports informed decision-making, the courage to speak up and act, and the ability to understand, critically evaluate, and connect through shared values.
Beyond memories, lessons, and realizations, participants return home with confidence and connections that may turn into future partnerships—or, as we like to believe, the hope that we are not alone in our individual efforts to shape and build the world we want to live in.
