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).
Preparatory Webinars | September–October 2025
To create space for youth learning and idea exchange, a series of 5 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.
Current topics are:
Culture for Resilience – Local Communities, Intangible Heritage & Digital Literacy
Our Sea – Saving the Baltic Sea Environment Through Digital Data?
Civil Security – Digital Means to Activate Society
Democracy at Stake or Beacon for Democracy? Digital Participation in Governance
Mobility in the Baltic Sea Region – Digital Tools for Sustainable Tourism
AI Governance – Shaping Responsible Innovation in the BSR
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
