The Council of Europe works closely with Young European Ambassadors (YEA) to strengthen youth engagement in promoting equality, diversity and human rights across Europe and its neighbouring regions.
In this context, 25 Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions gathered in Venice for the "Closing resident capacity-building for the No-Hate Young European Ambassadors". The three-day event focused on strengthening their skills to recognize and combat hate speech, while promoting inclusive and positive narratives in their communities.
Through interactive sessions, practical workshops, and direct engagements with their peers in Venice, participants explored European and international standards on equality, analysed how hate narratives spread, and developed communication approaches to respond effectively—both online and offline.
At the Library of Ca’ Foscari University, counterparts from the Council of Europe and the European Union welcomed participants, accenting how important it is to stand up to discrimination, support youth leadership and foster resilience. They highlighted how young people can use these tools to promote inclusion and challenge hate, while building dialogue and understanding across communities.
Under the mentorship of Professor Sara De Vido from University of Ca’Foscari and Marija Andreeva from the Council of Europe, participants explored international and European standards for equality, deconstructed hate narratives, and learned how to build positive, persuasive narratives for non-discrimination. This session highlighted key tools to counter prejudices and hate messages and explored creative methods to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between different communities.
The journey followed in the youth centre “Centro don Lorenzo Milani/COGES” in Mestre where participants there experienced firsthand the vibrant atmosphere and dynamic initiatives which support local youth. Learning was directly applied in practice. Working in small teams, across Venice’s neighborhoods, Young European Ambassadors conducted awareness-raising activities and experienced how diverse cultures and heritage can coexist peacefully for centuries, directly engaging the community and spreading messages of inclusion, tolerance and equality.
“This experience gave me the tools and courage to counter hate speech—both online and offline. I feel empowered to inspire others”, said Jana, one of the Young European Ambassadors from North Macedonia.
This seminar marked the conclusion of the series of capacity building activities implemented under the joint European Union and Council of Europe programmes Horizontal Facility III (action “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans”) and Partnership for Good Governance (project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies”).
As part of the “Block the Hatred, Share the Love 2.0” awareness-raising initiative, the impact of the seminar extends beyond Venice, with participants expected to apply their skills at local level and contribute to ongoing efforts to combat discrimination. The passion, knowledge, and commitment demonstrated by the Young European Ambassadors and their peers serve as a reminder about the power of youth to challenge discrimination and build more inclusive societies. Through such collaborations we want to ensure that the fight against hatred and intolerance remains at the heart of our collective vision for a united, resilient, and diverse Europe.
This event was organised within the action “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans” part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and the projects “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies”, which are part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”.
