The Nordic Baltic Youth Summit 2026 is inviting young changemakers from across the Nordic and Baltic region to apply for a unique youth leadership and policy-making opportunity in Tallinn, Estonia.
The summit will bring together 200 young people to exchange ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, explore major challenges affecting young people and society, and develop policy recommendations for national decision-makers.
Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other young leaders, challenge their perspectives and contribute their ideas to discussions on artificial intelligence, security, mental health, democracy and radicalisation.
Nordic Baltic Youth Summit 2026 Overview
- Event: Nordic Baltic Youth Summit 2026
- Location: Tallinn, Estonia
- Participants: 200 young people
- Age requirement: 18–30 years
- Working language: English
- Application deadline: 20 September 2026 at 23:59 EEST
- Organized by: Estonian National Youth Council
- Initiated and funded by: Nordic Council of Ministers and NORDBUK
Who Can Apply?
The summit is specifically open to young people who:
- Are 18 to 30 years old
- Live in one of the eligible Nordic or Baltic locations
- Can participate in the entire summit
- Can participate in English
- Are interested in the summit’s key themes
- Are willing to contribute their ideas, experiences and perspectives
- Are interested in youth participation and shaping policies affecting their generation
Eligible Countries and Territories
Applicants must live in one of the following:
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Sweden
- Åland
Applicants living outside these countries and territories are not eligible under the stated criteria.
What Will Participants Discuss?
The Nordic Baltic Youth Summit 2026 will focus on five major themes.
1. AI Leap
Participants will explore the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its implications for young people and society.
Discussions will consider issues including:
- Artificial intelligence and innovation
- Education and technology
- The future of work
- Opportunities and challenges created by AI
- The role young people can play in shaping technological development
2. Security and Resilience
This theme will examine how societies can become more resilient and prepared in an increasingly complex world.
Young participants will discuss:
- Societal resilience
- Preparedness
- Regional cooperation
- Emerging challenges
- Youth perspectives on security and resilience
3. Mental Health
The summit will also provide a space for young people to discuss mental health and well-being.
Participants will explore ways to:
- Promote youth well-being
- Build supportive communities
- Improve access to mental health support
- Address challenges affecting young people’s mental health
4. Youth Participation in Democracy
Young people’s participation in democratic processes is another central theme.
Discussions will focus on how young people can:
- Participate more meaningfully in democratic processes
- Make their voices heard
- Influence decision-making
- Engage with institutions
- Contribute to democratic development at local, national and regional levels
5. Radicalisation
The summit will also address radicalisation and the factors that can contribute to it.
Participants will explore how:
- Inclusive communities
- Dialogue
- Youth engagement
- Social participation
- Stronger community connections
can contribute to preventing radicalisation and promoting more inclusive societies.
Opportunity to Influence Policy
One of the most significant elements of the Nordic Baltic Youth Summit is its focus on policy recommendations.
Participants will not simply attend discussions. They will have an opportunity to contribute ideas and perspectives that can be transformed into recommendations for national decision-makers.
This gives participants a platform to connect youth perspectives with policy discussions across the Nordic and Baltic region.
Benefits of Participating
Selected participants can benefit from:
- Connecting with 200 young people from across the Nordic and Baltic region
- Building an international youth network
- Exchanging ideas and experiences with other young changemakers
- Developing perspectives on major regional and global challenges
- Participating in policy discussions
- Contributing to recommendations for national decision-makers
- Developing leadership and communication skills
- Exploring issues surrounding AI, democracy, security, mental health and radicalisation
- Gaining experience in youth advocacy and policy engagement
- Representing youth perspectives in a regional forum
Why Young Changemakers Should Apply
The summit is designed for young people who want to move beyond simply discussing social issues and actively contribute to conversations about how those issues can be addressed.
It can be particularly valuable for young people involved in:
- Youth organizations
- Civil society
- Community initiatives
- Advocacy
- Public policy
- Technology
- Mental health initiatives
- Democracy and civic engagement
- Social entrepreneurship
- Education
- Human rights
- Peacebuilding
- Community development
However, applicants do not need to work in one of these sectors. The key requirement is an interest in the summit’s themes and a willingness to contribute ideas and perspectives.
Organizers of the Summit
The Nordic Baltic Youth Summit 2026 is organized by the Estonian National Youth Council.
The summit is initiated and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and NORDBUK, reflecting a broader commitment to youth participation and cooperation across the Nordic and Baltic region.
Application Deadline
Applications are open until:
20 September 2026 at 23:59 EEST
Applicants should ensure that they complete and submit their application before the stated deadline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nordic Baltic Youth Summit?
It is a regional youth summit bringing together 200 young people from the Nordic and Baltic region to exchange ideas, discuss important issues and develop policy recommendations for decision-makers.
Where will the summit take place?
The 2026 summit will take place in Tallinn, Estonia.
How many participants will attend?
The summit plans to bring together 200 young people.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
Can people from any country apply?
No. Applicants must live in Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden or Åland.
Is English required?
Yes. Participants must be able to participate in the entire summit in English.
What are the main topics?
The five themes are:
- AI Leap
- Security and Resilience
- Mental Health
- Youth Participation in Democracy
- Radicalisation
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 20 September 2026 at 23:59 EEST.
Conclusion
The Nordic Baltic Youth Summit 2026 offers eligible young people an opportunity to connect with peers from across the Nordic and Baltic region, explore major challenges facing their generation and contribute to policy recommendations for national decision-makers.
With 200 young participants expected in Tallinn, the summit provides a valuable platform for youth dialogue, networking, leadership development and policy engagement.
Young people aged 18–30 living in the eligible Nordic and Baltic countries and territories who are interested in the summit’s themes and can participate fully in English are encouraged to apply before 20 September 2026 at 23:59 EEST.
Opportunity category: Conference
Who qualifies: Young people aged 18–30 who live in Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden or Åland and can participate in the full summit in English. There is no race or continental restriction stated beyond the specified residence requirement; applicants from outside these listed Nordic and Baltic locations are not eligible.
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