The event created a powerful space for connection, collaboration, and learning, where people with different backgrounds united around a shared goal: to build stronger strategies against hate speech and promote inclusive, rights-based narratives.
The main aim of the conference was to provide young activists with the tools and knowledge to recognize and counter hate speech at the local and national levels. Through interactive sessions and peer-led discussions, participants built skills in advocacy, campaigning, and human rights education. One of the key goals was to establish national coordination committees that will lead pilot actions in their countries, creating a lasting impact even after the event ends.
Over the course of four days, participants took part in a variety of creative and thought-provoking activities. From World Café discussions on current challenges to interactive workshops on EU and Council of Europe tools, the sessions were designed to reflect both local realities and international standards. Young people explored topics such as freedom of expression, anti-discrimination, and peacebuilding while learning how to lead educational activities, create advocacy plans, and run awareness campaigns in their own communities.
One of the highlights of the conference was the creation process of pilot actions, when participants worked in national or regional groups to design local initiatives – starting from vision boards to concrete pilot action plans. These actions will be implemented in the coming months, targeting hate speech through creative, community-based approaches. The sessions not only offered technical skills but also encouraged meaningful connections and peer mentoring, helping participants feel more confident and empowered in their activism.
Grigor from Armenia shared: “Participating in the Changing Narratives conference was both inspiring and empowering. I gained practical tools to counter hate speech and learned how to reshape harmful narratives into messages of inclusion and empathy. The exchange with passionate activists from across the region reminded me of the power of collective action and strategic communication in driving real change.”
According to Georgia from Spain: “The participation in the conference was an incredible opportunity to connect with new people and talk about our different realities and on how we can actually and practically cooperate to fight hate speech in many creative ways!”
As the conference wrapped up, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a one-time event. It marked the beginning of a stronger, youth-led movement against hate speech. Thanks to the bonds created and the knowledge shared, each participant returned home ready to start their pilot actions, bringing the outcomes of the conference directly to their communities. Together, these young changemakers are helping shift the narrative and take action against hate.
The conference is supported by the Council of Europe, through the European Youth Foundation.
