Authoritarian discourse refers to a style or method of communication that supports or promotes authoritarian values, structures, or ideologies. It typically involves the use of language, narratives, and rhetoric that justify or reinforce centralized control, obedience, and hierarchical power structures. Authoritarian discourse can manifest in various forms, including political speech, media messaging, or social norms that prioritize conformity, suppress dissent, and minimize individual freedoms in favour of collective order or authority.

This year, "Democracy Matters" programme focused on the youth work's impact to deconstruct authoritarian discourse and to address it through Human Rights educational activities and non-formal learning approach.

Therefore, the programme included elements not only exploring "the state of the things" - how is the situation in our states in relation to authoritarian groups and leaders, but as well - what's being done already by the colleagues and organisations working with youth: our practices and existing instruments and methods in Europe mainly. And such an exchange was very enriching.

Here is what Aykhan, representing Youth Together Association from Hungary, wrote: Participating in the "Democracy Matters" training course in Coma-ruga was a truly inspiring and enriching experience. It brought together dedicated youth workers from across Europe, creating an open space for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Through engaging workshops and interactive activities, I gained valuable insights into fostering critical thinking, active citizenship, and constructive dialogue among young people. The exchange of diverse perspectives helped me better understand the challenges' youth face today and how we can support them in becoming more engaged and responsible members of society.  Beyond professional growth, the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community made this experience even more special. Connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing best practices, and building new partnerships has reinforced my commitment to supporting youth participation and social engagement.

I am truly grateful to AHEAD and the trainers for their dedication to creating such an impactful program. The knowledge and connections gained will help me develop new initiatives and empower young people to take an active role in shaping their communities. 

And below are the impressions of Ilaida from Türkiye:  Just completed an amazing training course on Democracy in Barcelona and I am so grateful for this experience. Over the past days, I had the chance to engage in thought provoking discussions, learn from inspiring individuals, and explore the fundamental principles of democratic participation. This EU supported training reminded me how crucial it is to stay informed, involved, and proactive in defending democratic values.
As a Turkish citizen, this topic is especially close to my heart. In recent years, Turkey has faced significant challenges in terms of democratic governance, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. Being part of this training made me reflect even more on the importance of civic engagement and the role of individuals in safeguarding democracy.
A huge thank you to the organizers, trainers, and fellow participants who made this journey so enriching. Let’s continue working towards a more democratic and inclusive world.

 

Of course, we didn't lack intercultural learning moments and could see around in Comaruga, the Mediterranean coast there and visit Barcelona or near towns.

The preliminary evaluation made it evident, that such topic as addressing authoritarian discourse and democratic values is very relevant and AHEAD will keep on going with this project.

Democracy Matters is an accredited project of the Erasmus+ programme, co-funded by the European Union.