04.11.2026
Young people demand continuity in Nordic cross-border cooperation
At the end of October, Generation Barents 2026 in Oulu brought together more than 80 young people from Northern Finland, Northern Sweden and Northern Norway. The aim of the two-day event was to gather young people's views on the future of cooperation in the northern region and to strengthen the voice of young people in regional and international decision-making. At the end of the event, young people adopted a joint declaration setting out the key objectives for the development and continuity of northern youth cooperation.
The young people's message to decision-makers is clear: the common challenges and opportunities of the northern regions require close cooperation across national borders. It calls for all young people to have equal opportunities to participate in international cooperation, regardless of their place of residence, financial situation or background organisations.
Young people call for genuine influence in decision-making. According to them, the views of young people must be taken into account in the development of regions and young people must have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of policies for the future of their region.
The contribution also highlights the importance of culture, physical activity and youth exchanges in building long-term cooperation. Young people consider it important that joint encounters, international events and exchange opportunities continue and that their funding is secured.
To ensure the continuity of cooperation, young people propose the creation of a permanent and adequately resourced structure for Nordic youth cooperation. They also call for a closer dialogue between young people and decision-makers, for example through regular discussion forums and joint development networks.
According to the statement, it is also important for the vitality of the northern regions to take care of the everyday conditions of young people, such as housing, job opportunities and services. Young people emphasise that the future of the North is built through cooperation, open interaction and opportunities to participate.
The ‘Generation Barents 2026’ youth contribution was presented to Lauri Nikula, President of the Provincial Government, in the margins of the Provincial Parliament. Young people appeal to regional actors and decision-makers to secure long-term operating conditions for Nordic youth cooperation and to create new opportunities for young people to engage in international cooperation in the North. Operations must continue and a new home base must be found for them at the end of the Barents cooperation.
Meeting between the Chairman of the Provincial Government Lauri Nikula and the BRYC delegation at the Provincial Parliament. The debate will focus on the state and future of youth participation in the northern regions.
Generation Barents 2026 – Youth Statement and Conference Outcomes
