Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum Welcomes New Members in Annual Elections
The Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF) recently held its second annual elections to elect new members to its legislative and executive bodies, marking another step in the forum’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and fostering regional cooperation.
On Monday, the Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF) conducted its second annual elections online, with over 40 participants actively electing new members to both its legislative body, the Committee of Youth Representatives (CYR), and its executive body, the Steering Group (SG). This event underscored the forum’s role as a significant youth-led initiative within the Baltic Sea Region.
The elections on 22 April 2024 resulted in the appointment of 16 members to the CYR. Of these, seven were newly elected from a field of 23 candidates, while the remaining nine will continue from their previous term.
“Work in the BSRYF is a chance to explore democracy and dip our toes into regional politics,” said Simona Jakaitė, the newly elected CYR Chair and an intern at the CBSS Secretariat’s Regional Identity and Communications unit. She further emphasised the significance of the forum for including the voices of youth in Baltic Sea Region cooperation.
The Steering Group also saw changes. The Regional Youth Council of Schleswig-Holstein maintained its position, while ReGeneration2030 replaced the Lithuanian Youth Council. The SG comprises five members, including two from BSRYF partner organisations and three from the CYR.
The BSRYF, which was established in 2023 with support from the CBSS, encourages broad participation from youth organisations and individuals. Those not elected are welcomed to join other BSRYF initiatives, contributing to regional collaboration and youth advocacy.
As a pan-Baltic platform, the BSRYF enables young people to express their views, promote intercultural relations, and participate in regional policymaking in a meaningful way. This forum is dedicated to engaging young individuals in the development of the Baltic Sea Region, promoting a cooperative and dynamic community.