The Secretary General of the Council of Europe meets with high school students in Monaco
Alain BERSET, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Engages with 150 Monaco Secondary School Students on the Future of Democracy in Europe
As part of preparations for the Principality of Monaco’s upcoming Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Mr Alain BERSET, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, met with Monaco secondary school students this Thursday morning at the auditorium of Collège Charles III, in the presence of Mr Lionel BEFFRE, Minister of Interior, H.E. Mr Gabriel REVEL, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Principality of Monaco to the Council of Europe, and Mr Jean-Philippe VINCI, Director of Education, Youth and Sport.
Meeting between Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and high school students in Monaco. ©Direction de la Communication-Manuel Vitali
The event brought together nearly 150 students from seconde, première and terminale classes at Lycée Albert Ier and Lycée François d’Assise–Nicolas Barré for a dedicated exchange on European democratic challenges and the essential role of young people.
A Civic Expression Exercise at the Heart of European Issues
The event also featured the award ceremony for a competition focused on the Council of Europe. Students were invited to reflect on and draft a speech on the role of young people in safeguarding democracy in Europe. In particular, they were asked to outline practical ways to strengthen youth participation in democratic life, as well as the fundamental values they wish to uphold.
The submissions demonstrated both maturity and strong engagement with the core principles underpinning the Council of Europe’s work: the rule of law, democracy and human rights.
After receiving their awards from Mr Alain BERSET, the winners read their speeches before the audience.
Youth as a Strategic Stakeholder in Democracy
In his address, Mr Lionel BEFFRE, Minister of Interior, highlighted the importance of involving young people in public life, noting that their participation is essential to the vitality of democracy. He also underscored Monaco’s longstanding commitment to the values promoted by the Council of Europe.
The presence of Mr Alain BERSET alongside young people carries particular significance, at a time when youth are increasingly recognised as strategic stakeholders within the Council of Europe, notably following the Reykjavík Declaration.
A Direct Dialogue with Young People
The meeting continued with an address by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the contemporary challenges facing democracy, followed by a direct exchange with the students. Discussions covered major topics such as the challenges posed by disinformation, the impact of artificial intelligence, conflicts in Europe and the rise of populism. These exchanges highlighted the interest and insight shown by young people in addressing today’s key issues.
A Key Step in European Dialogue
Through this initiative, the Principality of Monaco reaffirms its commitment to placing young people at the heart of its policies and to encouraging their civic engagement, in line with the priorities of the Council of Europe.
This meeting fully reflects the shared ambition to build a dynamic and forward-looking European democracy, driven by an engaged, informed and active youth.