BSR Cultural Pearls at the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2023 in Riga

The BSR Cultural Pearls project played a central role in organising the workshop “Youth and Culture Driving Resilient Communities in the BSR” at the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2023 in Riga, contributing both speakers and moderators, as well as substantive input. The workshop explored the interplay between social resilience, community revitalisation, cultural assets, youth engagement, and sustainable tourism.

A key takeaway from the workshop was the emphasis on the importance of youth engagement in revitalising communities. The BSR Cultural Pearls project highlighted the need for tangible resources and authority to empower young people, moving beyond symbolic participation to enabling meaningful contributions.

The workshop also delved into the critical interplay between culture and resilience. By showcasing successful case studies, such as the UrbCultural Planning toolkit and local strategies from municipalities like Varde, the project demonstrated how integrating cultural elements into urban planning can significantly bolster social resilience.

Cultural initiatives were shown to create a sense of belonging, foster community engagement, and provide local solutions to local challenges, all of which are essential components of building resilient communities. This integration of culture into community development is increasingly recognised as a vital strategy for enhancing social cohesion and adaptability in the Baltic Sea Region.

Beyond the workshop, the BSR Cultural Pearls project significantly contributed to the broader forum discussions on resilience by emphasising the critical role of culture in fostering social resilience across the Baltic Sea Region.

Through participation in various sessions and a stand in the forum’s networking village, the project successfully raised the profile of culture-driven approaches, positioning culture as a key factor in building robust, adaptable communities in the region.

Prior to the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2023, a partner meeting of the BSR Cultural Pearls project took place in Riga, which significantly contributed to the strong presence of many project partners at the forum.

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