SUSTAIN Seminar 2026 in Slovakia

The SUSTAIN Seminar 2026 is an international youth opportunity in Slovakia for young Europeans interested in rural youth development, leadership, organisational sustainability and policy making. The seminar will bring together 25 motivated young people from across Europe to explore how rural youth organisations and networks can become stronger, more sustainable and more influential in decision making.

Organised by Rural Youth Europe and the Rural Youth Parliament in Slovakia, the seminar will take place from 8 to 13 November 2026 in Hokovce, Slovakia. The main programme will focus on organisational development, leadership, volunteer engagement, sustainable financing, partnerships, youth participation and European policy engagement.

The SUSTAIN Seminar forms part of the Rural Youth Forward project, which aims to strengthen resilient rural youth networks and create meaningful opportunities for young people in rural communities to participate in policy processes. The activity is supported through the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

About the SUSTAIN Seminar

The SUSTAIN Seminar focuses on sustaining and growing local and national rural youth organisations and networks while strengthening their European dimension.

Many rural youth organisations face challenges such as limited volunteer capacity, dependence on short term funding, difficulties with leadership succession, weak organisational structures and challenges in transferring knowledge between generations.

The seminar will help participants explore practical ways to address these issues and build organisations that can remain active and effective over the long term.

Participants will have opportunities to examine organisational structures, leadership practices, volunteer engagement, communication, partnerships, financing and policy participation.

The official organiser is seeking 25 motivated young people from across Europe for the six day activity, including travel dates.

Opportunity Benefits

• Shared accommodation covered by the organisers

• Meals covered from dinner on 8 November through breakfast on 13 November 2026

• Travel reimbursement according to the project travel guidelines

• No participation fee

• International networking with rural youth representatives from across Europe

• Peer learning and exchange of good practices

• Practical organisational development experience

• Leadership and volunteer engagement learning

• Exposure to European youth participation mechanisms

• Participation in a Civic Dialogue with relevant stakeholders

• European Parliament simulation experience

• Opportunity to develop an organisational action plan

• Opportunity to contribute to recommendations and policy work

Programme Areas

The SUSTAIN Seminar will cover several areas connected to rural youth leadership and organisational development.

Organisational Sustainability

Participants will explore organisational vision, governance, membership, programmes, feedback systems, risk management, knowledge transfer and organisational development.

Leadership and Volunteer Engagement

The programme will examine leadership development, volunteer engagement, generational renewal, knowledge sharing, team building and organisational growth.

Sustainable Financing and Partnerships

Participants will consider approaches to sustainable financing, partnership development, stakeholder engagement and organisational communication.

European Youth Participation

The seminar will introduce participants to European participation mechanisms such as Have Your Say, the European Citizens’ Initiative, citizens’ panels, public consultations and petitions to the European Parliament.

Civic Dialogue

Participants will take part in a Civic Dialogue involving European and national stakeholders, supported by Europe Direct and a Team Europe expert.

European Parliament Simulation

The programme includes a simulation of the European Parliament where participants will explore policy negotiation and collaborative decision making while working towards a shared Rural Youth Resolution.

Organisational Action Planning

Participants will develop practical organisational action plans and recommendations that can contribute to the wider Rural Youth Forward project.

Eligibility Criteria

The SUSTAIN Seminar is intended for young people from across Europe who have an interest or involvement in rural communities and youth development.

Applicants should generally meet the following criteria:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the seminar

• Have a connection to a rural community

• Be available to participate in the full programme from 8 to 13 November 2026

• Have an interest or experience in rural youth work, community development, youth participation, organisational development or policy making

• Be willing to actively participate in discussions, workshops and group activities

• Be able to communicate and participate in English

• Be willing to share experiences, ideas and practices with other participants

• Demonstrate motivation to apply learning within their community or organisation

SUSTAIN Seminar 2026 Dates

The programme will take place according to the following schedule:

• Arrival: 8 November 2026

• Main seminar programme: 9 to 12 November 2026

• Departure: 13 November 2026

• Overall activity dates: 8 to 13 November 2026

Required Application Information

Applicants should complete the official online registration form and provide the information requested by the organisers.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Their connection to rural communities

• Their experience or interest in rural youth development

• Their motivation for participating

• Their ability to participate for the full duration

• Their willingness to contribute to peer learning

• Their ability to participate in English

• Their interest in applying the knowledge gained after the seminar

Participation is limited to 25 selected young people, so submitting an application does not automatically guarantee participation.

How to Apply

1. Review the SUSTAIN Seminar information and eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that you can attend the full activity from 8 to 13 November 2026 in Hokovce, Slovakia.
3. Prepare the information required for the online application.
4. Complete the official SUSTAIN Seminar registration form.
5. Submit your application before the deadline of 25 September 2026.
6. Wait for official confirmation before making travel arrangements.

The official Rural Youth Europe event page states that registration is open until 25 September 2026.