CBSS Youth Ministerial 2024: Elevating Young Voices in Policy Dialogue

Registrations are now open for the CBSS Youth Ministerial 2024 which will take place in Helsinki, Finland on 22-24 May 2024. The event will focus on societal resilience and the role of young people in elections, especially the upcoming EU elections in June 2024. Young participants from CBSS Member States aged 18 to 29 can apply.

Emphasising the commitment of the CBSS to engaging young people in the Baltic Sea Region’s political dialogue, the CBSS Youth Ministerial promises a dynamic platform for the next generation of leaders to address regional challenges and collaborate on potential solutions with experts.

A highlight of the Youth Ministerial 2024 will be the drafting of a position paper by the young participants, aimed for presentation at the upcoming CBSS Ministerial Session in Finland this June, attended by CBSS Foreign Ministers.

The event is organised by the Finnish Presidency of the CBSS, which, under its priorities, has notably recognised the importance of youth participation in society and regional policy-making. 

Event overview

Scheduled to take place in Helsinki, Finland’s capital, the Youth Ministerial is designed to foster personal encounters among youth from CBSS Member States, thereby enhancing their role in addressing and responding to macro-regional challenges. The event will focus on societal resilience and the role of young people in elections, especially considering the upcoming EU elections in June. The programme includes interactive sessions with experts who will shed light on pressing issues within the Baltic Sea Region. Furthermore, participants will collaborate on a position paper, outlining their collective viewpoint and recommendations, which will subsequently be presented at the CBSS foreign ministers’ meeting in June.

Participation and eligibility

The call for participation is open to individuals aged between 18 and 29, residing in or nationals of CBSS Member States. The selection process will aim to ensure a diverse representation, taking into account gender and geographical balance, along with the motivation and backgrounds of applicants. Approximately 25 participants will be chosen, with a special invitation extended to those active in youth organisations or councils, or the Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF).

The application deadline is set for 18 April 2024.

Logistics and support

The organisers will cover travel, accommodation, and main catering expenses for the selected participants. Accommodations will be arranged in a centrally located hotel in Helsinki, ensuring a comfortable stay for all attendees. Detailed travel arrangements will be communicated to the selected participants after the closure of the application period.

Contact information

For additional details or inquiries regarding the CBSS Youth Ministerial 2024, please contact the organisers via email at [email protected]. We welcome questions and are ready to assist prospective participants with the application process and event preparations.