Baltic Youth Waves for Democracy 2025

A Regional Youth Initiative Linking Policy, Participation and Digital Innovation.

In the lead-up to the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2025 on 26–30 October 2025 in Gdańsk/Sopot, Poland  and the BSSSC Annual Conference 2025, the Baltic Youth Waves for Democracy will bring together young changemakers from across the Baltic Sea Region to co-create a forward-looking vision for democracy, security, and cooperation in the digital age. 

This initiative builds upon the outcomes of the CBSS Youth Ministerial on Digitalisation, draws from the ideas developed at the #b_hack Hackathon 2025 in Lübeck, and aligns with the thematic priorities of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). 

Preparation Webinars | September–October 2025 

To create space for youth learning and idea exchange, a series of five evening webinars will be held with contributions from experts and policymakers. Each session will explore critical topics for the region’s democratic and digital future. The exact schedule will be published during summer 2025.  

Why:
These webinars aim to prepare participants for the 2025 BSRYF program by exploring key topics in depth, building knowledge, and generating insights to feed into youth recommendations for the Baltic Sea Region.

How:

  • Each session is 90 minutes and open to the public.
  • Short inputs from experts and youth leaders introduce the topic.
  • Big and small group discussions allow participants to share experiences and ideas.
  • Interactive activities help participants develop recommendations and actionable insights.

For Whom:

  • Open to all interested participants, especially youth engaged in the Baltic Sea Region.
  • Participants are encouraged to bring their perspectives and contribute actively.

Webinar Sessions & Main Questions

23 September 2025 – Artificial Intelligence: Risk or Advantage for Cross-Border Collaboration?

  • How can AI support collaboration across borders in the BSR?
  • What risks and ethical challenges does AI present?

When: September 23, 17 CEST // 18 EEST

Speakers: Prof. Dr. Niklas Beuter (TH Luebeck), Elias Arndt, Justus August

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/z0e-wSFdTfuZAr0y77nUpA

1 October 2025 – Security: Hard and Soft Security in the Baltic Sea Region

  • How can cross-border collaboration strengthen (civil) security?
  • Which emerging threats and opportunities should youth be aware of?

When: October 1, 17 CEST // 18 EEST

Registration:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rLMu6BcsQWCzWJV_KbiyJQ

9 October 2025 – Cultural Cooperation: Strengthening Local Communities

  • How can cultural collaboration foster stronger local communities?
  • What role can youth play in cultural initiatives?

When: October 9, 17 CEST // 18 EEST

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0ppv-X3ISTeV_N7vaFoGmg

13 October 2025 – Environmental Cooperation: Common Sea, Common Responsibility

  • How can the BSR work together to protect the environment?
  • What practical measures can youth contribute to cross-border environmental efforts?

When: October 13, 17 CEST // 18 EEST

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NyjqBDSDTxuqywzjCo0JsA

October 2025 (TBC) – Democracy & Youth Participation (October, TBC)

  • How can youth participation strengthen democracy in the BSR?
  • What challenges and opportunities exist for youth engagement at local, regional, and international levels?


These open-access webinars will feed directly into a joint Baltic Sea Youth Declaration 2025, reflecting regional youth perspectives on digitalisation, AI, hybrid threats, and democracy. 

On-Site Programme | 26–30 October 2025 

The main programme will take place across Gdańsk and Sopot, alongside the BSSSC Annual Conference and the EUSBSR Annual Forum.

Highlights include: 

October 26 | Gdańsk & Sopot 
  • Welcome lunch & regional governance briefing 
  • Interactive mapping of regional challenges 
  • Kick-off of the Baltic Sea Youth Declaration 2025 drafting process 
  • Evening: Baltic Sea Quiz Night 
October 27 | Gdańsk 
  • Panels and youth labs on AI governance, digital ethics, and civil security 
  • Mental health workshop and youth declaration drafting 
  • Policy lab: Youth shaping regional AI frameworks 
October 28 | Sopot – BSSSC Annual Conference 
  • Youth Session: “What is security for the youth in the BSR?” 
  • Youth representatives present key demands and perspectives 
October 29–30 | Gdańsk – EUSBSR Annual Forum 
  • Youth Workshop (Oct 30, 09:00–10:15 CET) 
    AI without Borders: Shaping the Framework for AI Development in the Baltic Sea Region. Co-designed by CBSS and the Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum, the session explores ethical, political, and technical aspects of cross-border AI cooperation. 

A Collective Youth Contribution to Regional Policy 

The outcomes of the Baltic Youth Waves initiative will be compiled into a Baltic Sea Youth Declaration 2025, offering concrete ideas for all Policy Areas of the EUSBSR and key stakeholders like the BSSSC, CBSS, and Interreg projects. The paper will incorporate results from the [#b_hack] Hackathon 2025, ensuring an inclusive, co-creative process shaped by youth across formats. 

Why Participate? 

This is more than just a youth event—it’s a space to: 

  • Influence regional policies on AI, digital transformation, and democratic resilience 
  • Engage with decision-makers and experts across the Baltic Sea Region 
  • Collaborate with peers from all BSR countries in shaping shared priorities 
  • Present your ideas at major regional platforms, including the EUSBSR and BSSSC 
apply here

Deadline for application is August 18, 2025.

Organised by: Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), Baltic Sea Cultural Center Gdansk, Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF), in collaboration with the Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Cooperation (BSSSC), EUSBSR Policy Area Coordinators, and Baltic Sea civil society partners. 

Follow CBSS Youth Events and our social media channels for update: @balticseayouth