An important part of NBYS will be the workshops, where participants will have the opportunity to explore different topics, exchange ideas and discuss challenges affecting young people and our societies. By the end of the workshops, participants will have drafted policy recommendations for local governments and the Nordic Council of Ministers.
This year, the summit will have five topics: AI Leap, Radicalisation, Mental Health, Security & Resilience, and Youth Participation in Democracy. Each topic has been divided into two workshops.
Below you can find a short introduction to each workshop. Please familiarise yourself with each workshop and choose one that addresses you the most. After reading the workshop introductions, you will have to register yourself to one of them. Since spots are limited, please note that workshop places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
We encourage you to register as soon as possible once the sheet is shared.
You can find the registration sheet in the email sent to all the participants.
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1. AI and Youth: Opportunity or Inequality?
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how young people learn, work and prepare for the future. This workshop will explore whether AI creates new opportunities or widens existing inequalities by examining its role in education, the changing job market, the digital divide between countries and social groups, and the need for policies that protect and empower young people in an AI-driven world.
2. Algorithms and Power: Who Controls the Digital World?
Algorithms influence what we see, what we believe and even the choices we make online. This workshop will explore how recommendation systems shape our digital experiences, the role of data collection and privacy, the impact of engagement-driven platforms on behaviour, and the responsibility of digital platforms in creating a fair and transparent online environment.
3. Radicalisation 101: Why Do Young People Move to Extremes?
Why do some young people become drawn to extremist ideas and movements? This workshop will explore the psychological and social factors that contribute to radicalisation, including identity and belonging, perceived injustice, social isolation and the influence of online communities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the pathways to radicalisation and discuss ways to strengthen resilience and inclusion.
4. From Meme to Movement: Online Extremism in the Digital Age
Digital platforms can rapidly amplify ideas, communities and movements, including extremist ones. This workshop will examine how algorithms, hate speech and misinformation contribute to the spread of extremist content, how echo chambers shape online experiences, and what can be done to detect risks early and prevent radicalisation while protecting an open and safe digital space.
5. From Crisis to Prevention: Rethinking Youth Mental Health
Supporting young people's mental health means looking beyond crisis response and investing in prevention. This workshop will explore how schools, communities and public services can work together to build effective support systems, focusing on the availability of school psychologists, successful prevention models, best practices from across countries and the value of cross-sectoral cooperation.
6. Loneliness in a Connected World
In a world where young people are more connected than ever, loneliness and social isolation remain growing challenges. This workshop will explore how social media, including potential restrictions and platform design, influences mental well-being, belonging and participation in society. Participants will discuss the effects of comparison culture and the attention economy, the responsibility of digital platforms and community-based solutions that help young people build meaningful connections.
7. Security vs Freedom: Where Is the Line?
As security technologies become more advanced, questions about privacy and fundamental rights are becoming increasingly important. This workshop will explore the balance between safety and freedom, focusing on facial recognition and surveillance technologies, predictive policing, data protection and the protection of youth rights. Participants will discuss where the line should be drawn in democratic societies.
8. Rebuilding Trust: Youth and Democratic Participation
Many young people today feel disconnected from democratic processes and decisionmaking. This workshop will explore the reasons behind declining political trust and participation, including barriers to engagement and low voter turnout. Participants will discuss how digital tools, online civic engagement, youth councils and more youth-friendly participation channels can help rebuild trust and strengthen the connection between young people and decision-makers.
9. From Participation to Power: Are Young People Really Heard?
Youth participation is often encouraged, but it does not always translate into real influence. This workshop will critically examine whether current mechanisms give young people meaningful decision-making power or mainly symbolic involvement. Participants will explore the difference between consultation and shared power, looking at youth influence in policymaking, participatory budgeting, voting rights at 16 and international models whereyoung people have a stronger role in shaping decisions.
10. Youth in a Hybrid Threat Environment
Young people today grow up in a world shaped by hybrid threats that combine digital, political and societal risks. This workshop will explore the role of youth in navigating these challenges, with a focus on disinformation, cyber hygiene, crisis preparedness and civil protection. Participants will reflect on how to strengthen resilience and awareness in an increasingly complex information environment.
