CYR Members
The Committee of Youth Representatives (CYR) is the core of BSRYF, consisting of elected youth representatives from across the Baltic Sea Region. These members advocate for youth interests, participate in high-level discussions, and help shape the direction of BSRYF’s initiatives.
CYR members come from diverse backgrounds, bringing expertise in various policy areas such as sustainability, digitalisation, democracy, and youth rights. Their work includes drafting position papers, organising youth consultations, and ensuring that young people have a say in regional governance.
Simona Jakaite, Lithuania
(Chairperson)
“I joined BSRYF because I love the connectivity we foster here all over the region.”
[building long-term networK]
Silva Laure, Latvia
(Vice-chair)
“I joined the CYR because I believe in the transformative power of youth voices and their absolute necessity in shaping our collective regional future. Let’s dial up the volume, shall we?”
[youth, policy, feedback]
Alma Jokinen, Finland
(EU Officer)
“I joined the BSRYF to increase dialogue and cooperation in our Baltic Sea community – shared issues require shared solutions!“
[more external affairs]
Andreas Schoop, Germany
(BSPC Officer)
“I joined the CYR to drive positive change in the Baltic Sea region, focusing on climate action and having a blast connecting with passionate young leaders. With my passion for strategic collaboration, I endeavour to creatively weave the visions of the CYR into regional initiatives, ensuring we make waves together.”
[connect, combine, challenge]
Antoni Wyligała, Poland
(Working Group Culture / Steering Group)
“I have been interested in the Baltic Sea Region for a long time. I was born, raised and live here, so I would like to make this place safer and more prosperous, taking into account the voice of the young generation. Hence my involvement in the Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum.”
[culture, dialogue, resilience]
Eleriin Kuuskmäe, Estonia / Sweden
(Working Group Youth Advocacy / Media Officer)
“I joined BSRYF to fill my burning desire to do something meaningful. After all, if you want to see change and impact, why not make it happen yourself.””
[collaboration, development, security]
Elias Arndt, Germany / Sweden
(Working Group AI)
“The CYR is, for me, the central hub for effective youth participation in the Baltic Sea region and provides the opportunity to meet and collaborate with young people who share the same interests. Here, I can contribute proactively.”
[disinformation, digitalisation, networking]
Felix Emmesberger, Finland / Germany
(Business Outreach Officer)
“I joined the CYR since I want to push for more youth engagement within the Baltic Sea Region.”
[engagement, openmindedness, trust]
Ida Cecilie Sandholm, Norway / Denmark
“….”
[…]
Justus Ferdinand August, Germany
(Working Group AI)
“….”
[…]
Kyriakos Kourtidis, Greece / Poland
(EUSBSR & Interreg Officer, Working Group Transport & Energy)
“As a Project Officer in the Interreg South Baltic Programme and through my involvement in various EU youth initiatives (e.g. IVY, Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassadors), I aspire to act as a bridge between the BSRYF and other pan-European and regional cooperation frameworks.”
[Cross-Border Cooperation, European Affairs, Youth Engagement]
Lando Rehse, Germany
(Steering Group)
“I joined the CYR to share my ideas on the sustainable development of the Baltic Sea region and to strengthen youth voices. Living in Kiel, I feel deeply connected to this area and want to continue the commitment I began during my voluntary service to help shape its future.”
[sustainability, equity, participation]
Nagham Jaghoub, Norway
(Secretary)
“If you want something done, do it yourself.” The youth of today hold the key to shaping the world of tomorrow and will be responsible for living with the decisions made today. Therefore, it is essential that
young voices are heard and our diverse concerns addressed.”
[International relations and politics, sustainable development, policy-making]
Nathalie Bews, Germany
(Working Group Digital Literacy & Democracy)
“Youth in the Baltic Sea region have shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back from multiple crises and responding with determination and creativity. However, it is time to raise our ambitions for meaningful youth involvement. That’s why I joined the CYR to help drive a comprehensive and forward-looking macro-regional strategy.”
[Resilience, Innovation, Connection]
Neville Bhinday, Sweden
(Working Group Youth Advocacy)
“In the BSRYF, I plan to advocate for the inclusion of youth voices in decision-making and work to ensure that our recommendations are translated into concrete, lasting actions across the Baltic Sea Region. As a dedicated youth advocate, I am committed to advancing youth-driven change and fostering international cooperation to address shared challenges.”
[Learning Through Action]
Nikola Lewicka, Poland
(Migration Officer)
“I joined BSRYF to collaborate with like-minded people to drive positive change in the Baltic Sea region. My focus lies at the intersection of migration, European policy, and combating disinformation, which are crucial areas for building resilient, inclusive, and informed societies. I believe that young voices must not only be heard but actively shape the policies that affect their lives and communities.”
[Migration, European Policy, Disinformation]
Paulina Moskal, Poland
“I am passionate about meaningful youth engagement, inclusive policymaking, and cross-sector collaboration, with a growing interest in talent development and people-centered approaches in international environments.”
[Youth engagement, talent development, people]
Pola Zabuska, Poland / the Netherlands
(Working Group Environment)
“I joined the CYR to help in shaping a more sustainable and safe future for everyone in the region. Fostering inclusive participation in policy-making and building resilient communities is a key to achieving that.”
[sustainability, inclusivity, dedication]
Szymon Górny, Poland / the Netherlands
(EU Officer / Steering Group)
“I joined the CYR to contribute to meaningful youth participation in policy-making and to help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for our region.”
[EU youth policy, youth engagement, sustainable development]
Tom Matzen, Germany
(Security Officer)
“The Baltic Sea Region has huge potential in working together, strong alliance aswell as same challenges. My vision is to work closer together than ever and learn more than ever from each other! And where should be a better starting point than with the Baltic Youth?”