From February 5 to 7, Braga was the stage for the European Youth Conference “Youth in Local and Regional Life: Democracy in Action!”, bringing together approximately 150 youth leaders and representatives of local and regional authorities from 46 European countries. The event, held at the Braga Youth Center, aimed primarily to gather ideas for the revision of the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life, ensuring that the needs of new generations are met.

The European Charter on Youth Participation in Local and Regional Life had not been revised for about 20 years. This update sought to reflect on the current needs and challenges faced by young people and to strengthen youth participation in democratic life at the local and regional levels. The European Youth Conference gathered young representatives from local and regional youth councils, civil society organizations, and local authorities. Participants had the opportunity to discuss best practices, challenges, and opportunities to enhance youth engagement in decision-making processes at local and regional levels.

Key objectives of the conference included reflecting on and sharing best practices in youth participation, contributing to the revision of the European Charter, preparing the groundwork for its future implementation, supporting youth organizations and councils, and gaining insights into Braga’s youth participation initiatives.

Participants represented the following countries and member states of the Council of Europe: Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Sweden, Iceland, Hungary, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Monaco.

During the event, the photo exhibition “Between Light and Darkness” was inaugurated, featuring the works of photographers Konstantin and Vlad Liberovih and Yurka Dyachyshyn, portraying the resilience of the Ukrainian people in times of crisis. Additionally, the presence of representatives from Lviv, the European Youth Capital 2025, provided valuable perspectives on the challenges and strength of youth in adverse situations.

Participants emphasized the importance of clear governance structures with well-defined responsibilities, ensuring that young people are actively involved in the implementation, monitoring, and accountability processes. The need for stronger guidelines, accessible language, financial responsibility, and application of the Charter in crisis contexts was also highlighted.

Furthermore, visibility and awareness-raising through digital campaigns were deemed essential for improving youth participation in decision-making processes at the local level. Digital communication was identified as a crucial tool for ensuring that young people are informed about the Charter and their rights.

Throughout the three-day conference, participants exchanged experiences and best practices related to democratic participation, challenges, opportunities, and practical strategies to strengthen youth involvement in decision-making processes. They also had the opportunity to learn about youth participation initiatives in Braga – Portugal’s youngest city, drawing inspiration from local initiatives and leaving the event with concrete strategies to reinforce youth engagement in their respective communities.

Braga is home to several organizations that actively promote youth participation, including:

• Juventude Cruz Vermelha - Braga Delegation
• CeSIUM - Center for Computer Engineering Students at the University of Minho
• ARCUM - Recreational and Cultural Association of the University of Minho
• AAUMinho - Academic Association of the University of Minho
• IPDJ - Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth
• FAJUB - Federation of Youth Associations of the District of Braga
• Synergia
• Braga Municipality Youth Department
• Human Power Hub
• Porta Nova Volunteer Association
• JEF Portugal - European Federalist Youth
• ESN Minho - Erasmus Student Network Minho
• NENUM - Medical Students' Association of the University of Minho
• RYSE - Raising Youth for a Sustainable Evolution

At the closing ceremony, Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, praised the work carried out in Braga and reinforced the importance of implementing the Charter across all participating countries. Delegates concluded the event with a visit to Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, taking with them not only memories but also a renewed commitment to European youth.

The “Braga Charter”, a key outcome of the conference, recognized the city's central role in this revision process and in promoting youth participation at the European level. During the closing session, delegates committed to bringing the Braga Charter to their communities, ensuring its implementation and tangible impact.

The event also featured an artistic performance by Et’Artes, emphasizing human rights and fundamental principles of equality, freedom, and democracy. This performance was widely applauded, highlighting the core values upheld by the European Charter on Youth Participation.

The conference was co-organized by the Council of Europe's Youth Department and the Braga Youth Center, in partnership with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Braga Municipality, the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ), and the European Youth Forum.

Ana Rita Ribeiro, Director of the Braga Youth Center, emphasized the significance of the conference for the city:
"This event represents a milestone for European youth and reinforces Braga’s position as a center for innovation and youth participation. The Braga Charter will be a fundamental tool to ensure that young people's voices are heard and considered in policy-making at the local and regional levels."

Additionally, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Minister for Youth and Modernization, who attended various moments of the European Youth Conference, highlighted the importance of such events in fostering experience-sharing among young people from over 40 countries and discussing fundamental themes like freedom and democracy. She also stated:
"If there is one municipality that stands as an example in youth matters, it is Braga," praising the municipal government for its comprehensive approach to youth engagement. The Minister also underscored the exceptional facilities of the Braga Youth Center, which holds a European Quality Seal, and justified the significance of the Charter adopted at this event bearing Braga’s name.

For Carlos Silva, Executive Director of InvestBraga, which manages the Braga Youth Center, the event reinforced the city's role as a reference in empowering and engaging young people in decision-making processes:
"The European Youth Conference strengthens Braga’s position as a leader in youth empowerment. The Braga Youth Center will continue to be a privileged space for the development of innovative youth policies and projects that promote youth leadership at local, national, and European levels."

The hosting of this conference in Braga reaffirmed the city's commitment to fostering active youth participation in democratic life and shaping public policies that address the needs of future generations.