SUSTAIN Seminar 2026 in Slovakia

Rural communities across Europe face unique challenges that demand fresh perspectives and dedicated action. Rural Youth Europe (RYE) and the Rural Youth Parliament in Slovakia (VPMS) have partnered to offer an exceptional opportunity for young leaders. Applications have officially opened for the SUSTAIN Seminar 2026, taking place from November 8 to 13 in Hokovce, Slovakia.

Program Overview

This international gathering will bring together 25 motivated young people for intensive peer learning and organisational development. The main seminar programme runs from November 9 through 12, with travel dates bracketing these core days. The event forms part of the Rural Youth Forward project, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme.

The seminar focuses on strengthening rural youth organisations, developing sustainable networks, and increasing rural community participation in decision-making processes. Consequently, participants gain practical tools they can immediately apply to their own organisations and communities.

Key Learning Areas

The programme addresses critical challenges facing rural youth organisations. Many groups struggle with short-term funding dependencies, limited volunteer capacity, informal structures, and difficulties transferring knowledge across generations. The SUSTAIN Seminar tackles these issues head on.

Key learning areas include:

• Strengthening organisational structures and governance
• Improving leadership development and volunteer engagement
• Developing sustainable financing models
• Building effective partnerships and communication strategies
• Encouraging generational renewal and knowledge transfer
• Increasing youth participation in policy making
• Connecting grassroots concerns with national and European decisions

What Makes This Seminar Unique?

The SUSTAIN Seminar employs a highly participatory approach. Rather than passive lectures, participants engage in short expert inputs, peer-to-peer exchange, case studies, organisational self-assessment, workshop stations, and collaborative drafting sessions.

Notably, the programme includes a Civic Dialogue with European and national stakeholders, supported by Europe Direct and a Team Europe expert. Additionally, participants take part in a European Parliament simulation, experiencing policy negotiation firsthand. They also develop practical organisational action plans that contribute to the Rural Youth Forward project’s final policy paper.

Who Should Apply?

The organisers seek young people actively involved in rural communities, youth organisations, farming, community initiatives, or networks. Applicants should be between 18 and 30 years old.

Ideal candidates include:

• Active members of Rural Youth Europe member organisations
• Rural young people involved in local groups or community initiatives
• Young farmers and emerging rural organisation members
• National rural youth network participants
• Youth workers, leaders, and practitioners
• Individuals supporting rural youth through NGOs or public institutions

Programme Support and Logistics

Selected participants receive substantial support. The organisers cover shared accommodation and all meals from dinner on November 8 through breakfast on November 13. Travel reimbursement follows the project’s guidelines, and no participation fee applies.

Why This Programme Matters

Rural youth organisations play a vital role in creating opportunities for young people to participate in their communities. However, many face significant sustainability challenges. The SUSTAIN Seminar addresses these obstacles directly, helping participants understand what it takes not only to establish organisations but also to maintain and grow them long term.

The Rural Youth Forward project recognises that young people in rural areas need meaningful opportunities to influence decisions affecting their communities. This seminar provides a platform for that influence to grow.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the official application form before the September 25, 2026 deadline. Participation operates by selection only, so completing the application does not guarantee a place. Selected applicants will receive confirmation following the review process.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

Important: Wait until receiving official confirmation before making any travel arrangements or commitments.

Ready to strengthen rural youth leadership across Europe? Submit your application today and join this transformative experience in Slovakia.

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