Bridging Generations: A Report on Baltic Youth Waves for Democracy 2025

By Miro Broswitz, BSSSC Youth Board Member

Sopot & Gdańsk, Poland | October 26–30, 2025

In late October 2025, the shores of the Baltic Sea became the backdrop for a pivotal gathering of young minds, policymakers, and experts. I had the privilege of attending the Baltic Youth Waves for Democracy 2025 in Gdańsk and Sopot, not just as a participant, but in my capacity as a BSSSC Youth Board member. Under the theme "Securing the Future: Stronger Together – Building Stability in Times of Uncertainty" the event proved to be far more than a standard conference; it was a vibrant platform for intergenerational dialogue and concrete political action.

The strength of this exchange lay in its diversity. Young people from across the Baltic Sea Region came together, bridging cultural and regional divides to discuss the future of our shared home. However, what set this event apart was the depth of engagement between the youth delegates and the professional sphere. We weren't just talking amongst ourselves; we were in direct dialogue with politicians, scientists, and economic actors, breaking down the barriers that often separate youth activism from institutional governance.

The absolute highlight of the week was our participation in the Day of Cities and Regions (BSSSC Annual Conference) at the Sheraton Hotel in Sopot. This was our moment to take the stage during the "Youth Session – What Is Security for Youth in the BSR?".

I had the honor of delivering a speech presenting the results of our first two days of intensive workshops—the Baltic Youth Waves for Democracy 2025 Position Paper. In a Fishbowl discussion that followed, we debated these points openly with established leaders. My address emphasized that youth participation is a driving force for innovation, not merely a symbolic gesture. 

We presented proposals across five critical areas:

1. Culture and Identity: We called for more experienced young teachers and increased international exchanges like Erasmus+ to combat a lack of intercultural knowledge.

2. Environmental Sustainability: We urged cities to combat urban heat islands through greening initiatives and addressed the critical issue of sea-dumped ammunition requiring international cooperation.

3. Democracy: We advocated for democracy education in schools and better funding for civic simulation games, ensuring equal opportunities for rural youth.

4. Artificial Intelligence: A personal highlight for me, we demanded a "Baltic AI Youth Act," "environmental scores" for AI technology, and ethical guidelines for its military use.

5. Security: We focused on local resilience, proposing workshops on crisis response and regional expert hubs.

Beyond the formal sessions, speeches, and policy papers, the true legacy of Sopot lies in the connections we made. Great friendships were forged over dinner in Sopot and during the cultural explorations in Gdańsk. We left Poland not only with a finalized Position Paper but with a strengthened network of young changemakers ready to shape the democratic and digital future of the Baltic Sea Region.