History

The Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF) was established to amplify the voices of young people in regional decision-making processes. Recognising the importance of youth engagement, BSRYF serves as a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and innovation across the Baltic Sea Region.

Over the years, BSRYF has actively engaged with policymakers, organised international dialogues, and participated in high-level forums, ensuring that youth perspectives are integral to regional development. By bridging the gap between young individuals and institutions like the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), BSRYF continues to drive meaningful change in the region.

Timeline of Baltic Sea Region (BSR) Youth Initiatives

1992 – 2014
  • BSR youth events take place in various formats but without a structured framework.
Since 2014
  • Baltic Sea Youth Dialogue becomes an annual event by CBSS, offering young people a chance to explore regional topics.
Since 2018
  • Stronger collaboration among youth actors in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR).
2019
  • First Baltic Sea Youth Camp is organized by BSSSC, UBC, ERB, with funding from CBSS.
2020
  • Erasmus+ project Baltic Sea Youth Platform (BSYP) kicks off, with CBSS, BSSSC, ERB, UBC, LiJOT, and ESN Finland as partners.
2021
  • First CBSS Youth Ministerial is held under the Lithuanian presidency.
  • First Baltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum is co-organised by the Swedish Parliament & CBSS (online).
2022
  • Discussions on the successor of the BSYP, leading to its conclusion.
2023
  • Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF) is established, with its first Election Meeting in April.
  • First Baltic Sea Region Hackathon takes place in Lübeck, co-organised by Land Schleswig-Holstein, TH Lübeck & CBSS.
2024
  • First full year of BSRYF operations, with a record number of applications for the CYR & Steering Group.