From 27 September to 4 October 2026, NOVA SPONA participated in the international training course *Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights*, organised by the Council of Europe's Youth Department at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France.
SPONA was represented by its President, Ilhan Radetinac, alongside representatives of 25 organisations from different parts of Europe. The programme focused on strengthening practical knowledge and skills in human rights advocacy, democracy, civic participation and engagement with public institutions.
The training was part of the Council of Europe's *Youth Revitalising Democracy* initiative, which seeks to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations to participate in democratic processes and influence public policies.
Through discussions, educational sessions and practical exercises, participants explored how challenges faced by local communities can be translated into concrete advocacy initiatives, policy recommendations and proposals addressed to decision-makers.
### Understanding European Institutions
During their stay in Strasbourg, participants visited the European Parliament, the Council of Europe's Agora building and the Palais de l'Europe, where they had the opportunity to observe part of the autumn plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
Speakers during the session included Prince Albert II of Monaco and Portuguese President António José Martins Seguro.
Observing the Assembly's proceedings offered participants a closer understanding of European institutional processes, political debates and mechanisms for protecting human rights.
Another notable part of the programme was a meeting with filmmaker and human rights activist Deeyah Khan, accompanied by a screening of her documentary *White Right: Meeting the Enemy*.
The film examines the rise of contemporary far-right extremism in the United States through direct conversations with individuals involved in extremist movements. Following the screening, participants engaged in a discussion with Khan about the making of the documentary, her experiences during filming and the challenges of confronting extremist ideologies.
### Bringing the Experience Back to SPONA
For SPONA, participation in this programme forms part of the organisation's ongoing development and its renewed programme priorities, particularly in human rights, democratic participation, media and public-interest initiatives.
The knowledge and professional connections established in Strasbourg will inform the development of future projects, research and advocacy initiatives, especially those addressing the relationship between local communities, public institutions and decision-making processes.
We returned from Strasbourg with plenty of notes, new contacts and several ideas that we hope to turn into concrete initiatives through SPONA's work.