Baltic-Russia Youth Forum in Lithuania to focus on energy security

TALLINN - The ninth Baltic-Russia Youth Forum is to kick off at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Vilnius on Wednesday, the three-day event will focus on the energy security of the Baltic region, relations between NATO and Russia, hybrid threats, strategic communication as well as NATO's presence in Eastern Europe.

Young people from over ten states -- Russia, the Baltics and Nordics as well as from the Eastern Partnership states -- will hear presentations by experts and take part in discussions and workshops to better understand security challenges in the present-day world. The forum is aimed at students in the areas of political science, diplomacy and national defense.

"NATO's public diplomacy division is pleased to support this project bringing together young people from Russia and the Baltic states. It is only through free debate that a discussion on security policy can be held, based on facts and informed opinions instead of false information, myths and stereotypes," Robert Pszczel, director of NATO information office in Moscow, said.

Pszczel noted that for him personally, meeting young people has been a valuable and stimulating experience and that the Youth Forum has become a strong trademark among security-related meetings.

The main organizer of the event is the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, NATO's Headquarters and the Atlantic Treaty Association Lithuania.

The Baltic-Russia Youth Forum will be held in English.