“Barents Youth Takes Action”
During the “Willem Barentsz in Vardø” happening, a youth conference was held for Russian and Norwegian youths. A rock concert finished the youth gathering and left the participants with a feeling that the meeting succeeded. The main topics of the conference were challenges and possibilities in the Barents Region. The youths discussed with each other and with the Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs why there is a trend that people move from the region, and what measures may the youths themselves do in order to make the region an attractive place they want to live in.
The Youth Conference
The youth conference “Barents Youth Takes Action” was opened by State Secretary Karl Eirik Schjøtt-Pedersen. The conference provided orientations on cooperation, development and depopulation in the High North. Some of the Russian participants discussed their views on reasons why especially young people tend to move from the Northern part of Russia. The mentioned factors were poor education level of teachers and professors, low standard on the education and few opportunities. Education from more prestigious universities makes it easier to get jobs which is a great pull factor why people move. In addition, jobs as fishermen and industrial workers are less prestigious than before, which results in eagerness for more attractive jobs, which often are situated in southern parts of Russia.
The youths were put into groups in order to discuss both challenges and possibilities in the Barents Region. After the groupwork Helga Pedersen met with the youths and had conversations about living in the Barents Region. Issues as increased cooperation, visas and future in the North were debated. The minister listened and seemed to understand the youths’ message. The minister’s visit was inspiring, and made the youths involved in fiery discussions which made room for reflection.
As mentioned, depopulation and unemployment were among the themes, but still the participants left the conference with positive feelings concerning the region and the future of the High North.
Rock for Fish
The event culminated in a rock concert called "Råkk førr fesk", which gave tha audience music from all the three participating countries. The concert was brilliant with a versatile program. There were lovesongs and heavy rock and the audience seemed to enjoy themselves. "Råkk førr fesk" was a great success and a wonderful closure of the Willem Barentsz-happening.
