Baltic Sea Youth Dialogue 2024

The 11th edition of the Baltic Sea Youth Dialogue (BSYD) invites 20 young individuals, aged 18-28, residing in the Baltic Sea Region to explore and engage with their shared cultural heritage. Taking place from 11-16 November 2024 in Gdańsk, Poland, this unique seminar will focus on the Hanseatic legacy, cultural heritage, and the connections that have shaped the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) over centuries, and youth perspective on it today.

Theme and Focus: The Hanseatic Legacy

Under the theme, “Cultural Heritage in the Baltic Sea Region: Expert and Peer Dialogue on Shared Heritage, Connections, and Outreach in the BSR”, the event will highlight the historical significance of the Hanseatic League and its lasting impact on the region’s cultural and political landscapes. The Hanseatic League, often considered a precursor to modern-day European unity, established strong trading and cultural connections across the Baltic Sea. This legacy of cooperation, exchange, and mutual development continues to resonate, influencing modern regional identity, architecture, and cultural practices.

Participants will delve into the shared heritage of the Baltic Sea through a combination of lectures, discussions, workshops, and excursions, all designed to foster dialogue and exchange between young people and experts from across the region. Central questions include: How did the Hanseatic League shape our region’s culture and identity? What is the role of cultural heritage today? And how can young people (like the partner’s youth platforms youthHansa and CBSS BSRYF) contribute to building future connections across borders?

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for 20 young people who are:

• Aged between 18 and 28 years old.
• Residing in a member or observer country of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).
• Interested in cultural heritage, regional connections, and youth participation.

Whether you are a student, young professional, or simply interested in shaping the future of the Baltic Sea Region, we welcome participants from diverse backgrounds, including those who are new to youth engagement in the BSR.

All expenses, including travel, accommodation, and most meals, will be covered for the duration of the event.

Programme Overview

This year’s BSYD programme features expert lectures, hands-on workshops, and engaging peer dialogues. Participants will also have the opportunity to work on outreach activities designed to encourage youth participation in their local communities. The five-day event aims to create a blueprint for future youth ambassadors who can take the knowledge gained at BSYD back to their home communities, encouraging further dialogue and action across the region.

Key Sessions Include:

•  Exploring Cultural Heritage: Focused discussions on the history and influence of the Hanseatic League on modern BSR identity and gaining a youth perspective on it.
• Outreach and Engagement: Practical training on how to engage peers in conversations about cultural heritage and youth participation, culminating in outreach activities at local schools and universities.
• Excursions: Tailored tours of the National Maritime Museum in Gdansk, where participants will explore the rich maritime history that shaped the region.
• Outreach Pilot: Work together to create an outreach package and practice your newly acquired skills in a real-world setting with local youth.

Why Participate?

• Networking: Opportunities to meet and collaborate with peers and experts from around the BSR.
• Deepen Your Understanding of Cultural Heritage: Learn how the Hanseatic League shaped the cultural, political, and economic fabric of the Baltic Sea Region and how it continues to influence our lives today.
• Strengthen Regional and Youth Cooperation: Engage with like-minded peers and experts to explore how the region’s shared heritage can be a foundation for stronger future connections.

How to Apply

Applications are open to young people from all CBSS Member and Observer States. We encourage participation from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, ensuring a balance between youth who are already active in regional initiatives and newcomers eager to get involved.

If you’re passionate about cultural heritage and eager to make a difference in the future of the Baltic Sea Region, this is your chance! 

Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/qtr1PerigH

The application window will close on 15 October 2024.

Organisers and Partners

The Baltic Sea Youth Dialogue 2024 is organised by the the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and Union of Cities THE HANSA. The event is made possible through the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office via the German Embassy in Stockholm. The National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, along with various other partners, will host and contribute to the success of this exciting event.