🌍 About the Training
The Thorvald Stoltenberg Seminar is an international Erasmus+ training course held in Utøya, Norway, bringing together activists, educators and youth workers from across Europe and beyond.
The seminar honours the legacy of Thorvald Stoltenberg, former Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs and a respected diplomat known for promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. His well-known approach, often referred to as “kitchen meetings”, focused on bringing people together in informal settings to resolve conflicts through conversation and trust.
Organised by The European Wergeland Centre and Utøya, the seminar provides a space for participants to explore the challenges facing democratic societies today and to strengthen youth engagement for dialogue, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
🎯 Training Objectives
🕊 Identify current threats to democratic and inclusive societies
🤝 Explore methods to address these challenges through youth work
💬 Develop dialogue-based approaches to conflict resolution
🌍 Exchange good practices and experiences with participants from different countries
The seminar aims to strengthen participants’ ability to support coexistence, trust and democratic engagement in diverse societies.
📚 Learning Approach
The training uses non-formal education methods including:
🧠 Interactive discussions and reflection sessions
🤝 Peer learning and experience sharing
💬 Dialogue-based conflict resolution approaches
📊 Case studies and group work
Participants will also discuss the growing challenges of polarisation, anti-democratic sentiments and distrust in institutions, and explore how youth engagement can contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies.
👥 Participants
👥 Approximately 25 participants will be selected through an open call.
Recommended for:
🧑🤝🧑 Youth workers
🎓 Trainers and facilitators
📢 Youth activists and campaigners
📊 Youth project managers
🧑🏫 Youth policy makers
🤝 Volunteering mentors
🧠 Youth researchers
📍 Location
🇳🇴 Utøya, Buskerud County, Norway
📅 Activity Dates
🗓 7 May 2026 – 12 May 2026
📌 Arrival: 7 May
📌 Departure: 12 May
📅 Application Deadline
🗓 24 March 2026
📢 Selection Date
🗓 7 April 2026
🌍 Eligible Countries
🌍 Erasmus+ Youth Programme Countries
🇦🇹 Austria 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇧🇬 Bulgaria 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇨🇾 Cyprus 🇨🇿 Czech Republic 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇫🇮 Finland 🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 Germany 🇬🇷 Greece 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇮🇸 Iceland 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇮🇹 Italy 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein 🇱🇹 Lithuania 🇱🇺 Luxembourg 🇲🇹 Malta 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇱 Poland 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇲🇰 Republic of North Macedonia 🇷🇴 Romania 🇷🇸 Serbia 🇸🇰 Slovak Republic 🇸🇮 Slovenia 🇪🇸 Spain 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇹🇷 Türkiye
🌍 Partner Countries Neighbouring the EU
🇦🇱 Albania 🇩🇿 Algeria 🇦🇲 Armenia 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 🇧🇾 Belarus 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇬🇪 Georgia 🇮🇱 Israel 🇯🇴 Jordan 🇽🇰 Kosovo 🇱🇧 Lebanon 🇱🇾 Libya 🇲🇩 Moldova 🇲🇪 Montenegro 🇲🇦 Morocco 🇵🇸 Palestine 🇷🇺 Russian Federation 🇸🇾 Syria 🇹🇳 Tunisia 🇺🇦 Ukraine
🌍 Other Countries Worldwide
Participants may also apply from many other countries worldwide as listed in the official call.
🌐 Working Language
🗣 English
🔗 Training Overview
http://trainings.salto-youth.net/14526
📄 Infopack
📧 Contact for Questions
Mahira Karim
m.karim@theewc.org
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
