From March 3-7, 2025, WSCF-Europe had the pleasure of organizing the Study Session ‘Youth in Leadership Today – The Pathway Forward’ at the European Youth Centre in Budapest, an institution of the Council of Europe. Over the course of five days, 19 participants from 10 different countries came together to explore holistic leadership in youth movements, building their skills and strengthening their commitment to inclusive, fair, and socially just leadership. This program empowered young people in our Student Christian Movement, reinforcing the significance of ecumenism and fostering collaboration between youth leaders.
Key Discussions and Learnings
The sessions throughout the week were designed to equip participants with essential leadership skills, blending practical strategies, theoretical insights, and interactive methods. The first day focused on creating an inclusive group setting, offering activities that participants could replicate in their local contexts. As the week progressed, discussions expanded to include soft and hard skills, communication techniques, and methods to engage an intersectional audience. A significant part of the session also addressed effective knowledge-sharing and onboarding strategies for leadership roles in youth movements.
Participants worked collaboratively to produce youth-designed and youth-friendly materials to disseminate the study session’s findings. By the end of the week, attendees had gained a deeper understanding of ideal youth leadership and the qualities that define a strong and effective leader. The structured learning process enabled them to progressively build on their insights, creating clear next steps for implementation in their organizations.
Concrete Actions and Collaborations
Beyond the exchange of knowledge, the Study Session also served as a catalyst for new collaborations and initiatives. One of the most notable outcomes was a discussion between participants from the Middle East and Ukraine about developing an international project under the Special Call for Ukraine of the European Youth Foundation (EYF). This initiative aims to explore the role of community in nourishing resilience in times of war. The course director, team members, and participants are now working on a concept note to bring this project to life.
Strengthening Ecumenical and Global Connections
This Study Session also provided a unique platform for leaders from various partner organizations, including the Conference of European Churches, the Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe, JECI-MIEC, and the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women. Additionally, we were honored to welcome participants from different WSCF regions, coming from Mexico, Zimbabwe, and Lebanon, reinforcing the truly global nature of our movement.
Looking Ahead
One of the most significant takeaways from this Study Session was the renewed commitment of participants to promoting inclusive leadership within their organizations. Many reflected on the balance of sharing responsibilities and decision-making, ensuring that leadership remains accessible, participatory, and responsive to community needs. For some, this was their first experience with non-formal education. While some initially sought ready-made solutions, they ultimately embraced the learning process, gaining confidence in their own ability to shape leadership strategies within their movements.
At WSCF-Europe, we believe that youth leadership is not just about occupying positions but about fostering collective growth and empowerment. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to nurturing young leaders, strengthening our ecumenical networks, and ensuring that leadership within our movements remains inclusive, dynamic, and just. This Study Session was just the beginning, and we are excited to continue working on this important issue in the future!
