Are you interested in learning more about Democracy? Do you want to meet and exchange experiences with other youth from the Nordic countries? Join us at Nordic Youth Con 2023!
Voksenåsen, a centre for Swedish-Norwegian cooperation, is the conference sponsor and together with a group of youth volunteers from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, they are organising a conference about Democracy for Nordic youth this Fall, October 20-22, 2023.
Are you between the age of 15-24? Then you are eligible! No other prerequisites in order to attend. The conference is free for all participants
Our goal is to create an annual conference that will bring together Nordic youth and provide a forum to discuss democracy from a Nordic perspective. In times where democracy is not a given, it is extra important to create a space for young people to discuss the future. The conference aims at boosting the self-confidence of participants, giving them an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, as well as providing an arena for networking across borders.
What’s on the agenda?
This year’s theme is yet to be decided. Our volunteer group is currently working on this. Keep an eye out for updates, either here or at our instagram!
Eligibility
Currently applications are not yet open. The application form will be available in August. Nordic Youth Con 2023 invites all nordic youth from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Åland, and Greenland to apply. You must be between the age of 15-24 to be eligible. Unfortunately, we have limited space and are only accepting 50 applicants. There are no prerequisites in order to apply or attend, however we would love to hear a little bit about why you want to attend the conference. Applicants will be chosen to establish a balance of age, gender, diversity, and country of residence (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Åland, and Greenland). Applicants will also be chosen based on their motivation to attend the conference, but we do not require any previous experience.
How to apply
We are currently taking applications – just scroll down to the application button and fill out the form. Application deadline is the 11th of September.
How much does it cost?
The whole weekend at Voksenåsen Hotel will be covered by Voksenåsen, this includes all meals and a shared room. We also cover the travel expenses to a certain amount, depending on where one is travelling from. We encourage participants to use the cheapest and most climate friendly forms of transport. More info will be given in the acceptance letter! (participants travelling with an affordable option will usually get everything covered)
What is Voksenåsen?
Voksenåsen is Norway’s national gift to Sweden as a thank you for the humanitarian aid Norway received during the Second World War. The hotel is owned by the Swedish state and today is run as a center for cooperation between Sweden and Norway and as a hotel and restaurant. One of the main goals of Voksenåsen is to be a meeting place for young people across borders. We believe that creating a space for young people will benifit the nordic region.
Do you have any questions? Contact our conference coordinator Agnes Lenz Mathiasen: Agnes@voksenaasen.no
Apply to NYCD 2023!
Application deadline is Monday 11 september 2023
Working Group for NYCD22
From left: Lukas Mann Øiamo, Tora Slotte, Selia Saeed, Kerstin Hamnell, Eldin Nurcovic, Emmy Slåttli, Klaudia Zielinska, Kutalmis Emin Kaplan, Isak Sörling, Pernille Sarah Hansen.
Programme
Programme is TBA
This years theme will be Democratic sustainability, where we will explore topics like freedom of speech, autonomy, defending human rights, democracy in the Nordic region, and war and conflict.
Guest speakers and workshops will be updated reguarly, but includes: Voksenåsen Culture centre, Stopp Hatprat, Hanaholmen, Foreningen Norden, Nordic Pioneers, Demokrati Fitness, Folk och Kultur
Last year we had speakers and organisations from several nordic countries, including the Nordic Youth Council, V-dem, Anki Gerhardsen, Stopp Hatprat, Stiftelsen 10. August, Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue, Myndigheten för psykologiskt försvar, Foreningen Nordens Ungdom, Ungdommens Folkemøde NORD, Folk og Kultur og Norden i Fokus
Preliminary program
Friday 20. October
Ca. 18.00 Arrival and check-in (check in from 15)
19.00 Welcome and practical information
19.30 Dinner in the restaurant
20.30- 22.00 Social activities. Friendship beyond borders!
Saturday 21. October
07.00 – 09.00 Breakfast in the restaurant
09.00 – 09.30 Welcome speech
09.30 – 10.00 Activity TBA
10.00 – 10.15 Break
10.15 – 11.00 Lecture
11.00 – 12.30 Workshop
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch at the restaurant
13.30 – 14.15 Lecture
14.15 – 14.30 Break
14.30 – 16.00 Workshop
16.00 – 16.30 Fika (Break with a snack)
16.30 – 17.30 Workshop with the NYCD Hosts
17.30 – 18.00 Free time
18.00 – 19.00 Dinner at the restaurant
19.00 – 20.30 Social activities
20.30 Evening snack
Sunday 22. October
07.00 – 09.00 Breakfast and check-out
09.00 – 09.45 Lecture
09.45 – 10.00 Break
10.00 – 11.30 Workshop
11.30 – 12.30 Lunch at the Restaurant
12.30 – 13.15 Mingling
13.15 – 14.00 Wrap up and evaluation
14.00 Leaving Voksenåsen
FAQ
Do I need a lot of experience to get in?
No! When reading the applications, we are looking at your motivation! This means that no matter the experience, we are looking for young people, who are motivated for a weekend of fun, new knowledge and new networks! If that sounds like you – we would love to see you there!
When will I know if I got in?
We will try to get the invitations out a month before the conference.
What if I do not get in?
We wish we could invite all, but unfortunatly we do not have unlimited spots. In case you do not get an invitation, you will be put on a waiting list. If still no luck – apply next year!
Is the conference alcohol free?
Yes! We do not wish to mix alcohol and a youth conference, and we hope that you respect that too. But fear not – you won’t even notice it!
Nordic Youth Conference is supported by:
