Almost a hundred people joined the biggest youth conference in the Barents region

Generation Barents youth conference was held for the third time, this year in Norwegian town of Bodø. Organized by Barents Regional Youth Council (BRYC), Nordland County Administration, the Norwegian Barents Secretariat, and the International Barents Secretariat, the event brought almost a hundred youth around the Arctic regions together. According to the organizers, the number of attendees could have been more, but unfortunately not everyone who signed up could join due to limited space. In addition to presentations and conversations about challenges and opportunities facing the North, Generation Barents has evolved into an essential networking space for young people around the region.

The first day of the conference featured engaging presentations on demography, the economy, and the labor market. In a panel on education and employment, speakers highlighted the benefits of cross-border collaboration and the need for platforms to promote Nordic educational and career opportunities. Workshops on housing and future scenarios provided tools for assessing possibilities and impacts. The day concluded with an exciting Green Gala Party, featuring youth startup presentations and a live DJ set.

The following day was fully geared towards youth-led initiatives and drafting of The Barents Youth Program. The Barents Youth Program is a strategic document guiding youth cooperation in the Barents Region. Through multiple workshops, ideas from participants were freely shared, refined, and finally made into concrete proposals for the Youth Program. This meant that the participants – meaning youth from the region – can shape their own future. The conference ended with a final dinner and talks about youth and indigenous involvement in climate change adaptation and the circular economy.

For many participants in the conference, the need to develop sustainable futures for their home regions proved to be a significant motivation to participate. Elina Jansson and Moa Olsson joined Generation Barents from Umeå, Sweden. They found out about the event through their university’s student union. Initially motivated by what seemed to be at least a fun trip to Norway, the talks held in the event have proved to be very interesting. For Jansson it is important to hold a vision for the generation and create it together through events like Generation Barents. On the other hand, Olsson brings up demographic questions, which are shared throughout the North. As the largest city in Sweden’s North, Umeå is growing rapidly.

“But north of Umeå it’s really hard to find housing and jobs or possibilities to stay, so for me it’s important to talk about these topics”, Olsson adds.

Elmiina Hyytinen from Kuusamo, Finland, is working as a deputy member in the Youth Council of the Oulu Region. She is interested in international relations and cooperation, and therefore was drawn to find out more about the cross-border youth cooperation in Generation Barents. She attended the event for the first time this year and felt that the promotion of career and education opportunities has been especially engaging.

"Like many young people, I’m also exploring what the future holds for me. The presentations provided valuable insights that I’ll keep in mind and use moving forward", Hyytinen said.

For Barents Regional Youth Council, the next step will be to look at the draft made through the workshops during the weekend and write up the final version of The Barents Youth Program in an upcoming BRYC Council meeting this autumn.