The Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) organised an event on 27 October 2023 that aimed to train the participants in recognising and fighting disinformation. The Youth Lab consisted of small group workshops led by experts. Participants delved into disinformation by foreign actors on different media platforms in three groups. Each group worked on a different media outlet:
- X (previously Twitter)
- Photo/video based social media (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
- News media
The programme of the Youth Lab also included an excursion to a relevant expert organisation in the field of disinformation.
Participants of the Youth Lab had the chance of being selected as ‘Youth Ambassadors’. RADAR ‘Youth Ambassadors’ were selected among the participants in the 5 youth labs organized by RADAR partners around Europe to participate in the Brussels Youth Workshop (1-2 February 2024). They devised practical recommendations for EU action against disinformation in their communities. These recommended actions were presented to relevant EU interlocutors in the final concluding conference in Brussels, where a large debate on disinformation also unfolded.
RADAR provided an opportunity to discuss disinformation and hybrid operations by foreign actors with experts and peers, as well as to network with people working in the field. Participants received a certificate of participation.
Eligibility
The Youth Lab was addressed to people of age 18-30 residing in any EU country, regardless of their nationality, educational and professional statuses. The events were held in English, and thus a good knowledge of English was necessary.
Costs
There was no participation fee. FIIA offered accommodation in Helsinki and transportation to/from Helsinki to participants who come from outside the capital city region. FIIA also offered dinner on the evening of the 26th and lunch/coffee on the 27th.
