Call for Applications: Head of Cluster – German-Baltic Youth Conference 2025

From 16–19 October 2025, the German-Baltic Future Foundation (DBJW) will host the seventh edition of its successful international youth conference – this time in the vibrant city of Riga, Latvia. The conference brings together young Europeans (aged 16–30) to engage in dialogue around key issues shaping our continent in four thematic clusters.
This year’s theme is „Rethinking Security Through Youth“. Each cluster will explore a specific subtopic within this theme (see below for inspiration), and we welcome your own ideas as well.

To prepare and lead the thematic work, we are looking for three motivated young people with prior knowledge in the field of security to become our Heads of Cluster. As a Head of Cluster, you will guide your group of youth ambassadors, conceptualize the subtopic, lead discussions, and develop a policy proposal to be presented to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels after the conference.

In the lead-up to the event, from June to August, you will work on your subtopic and help select 6–7 youth ambassadors. From September, you’ll lead online meetings to build team cohesion and deepen topic knowledge. During and after the conference, you will facilitate the drafting and dissemination of your cluster’s policy proposal and present it with your team in Brussels in November 2025.

Our goal is to create an inclusive and collaborative space for young people living all over Europe – especially from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Germany – to shape concrete law and policy proposals grounded in a common European perspective.

Suggestions for Subtopics:
• Military and Defense
• Cybersecurity
• Democratic Elections and AI Propaganda
• Security and Climate Change
• Critical Infrastructure and Hybrid Warfare
• Social and Gender Dimensions of Security
• Public Health and Security
• Transatlantic Alliances

Main tasks:
• Select a subtopic and develop a conceptual framework
• Help recruit youth ambassadors (6–7 per cluster)
• Lead around three online meetings (Sept–Oct)
• Participate in planning and lead your cluster at the conference in Riga (Oct 16–19)
• Draft and finalize a law and policy proposal (in English)
• Coordinate the dissemination and presentation of your proposal in Brussels

What we offer:
• Connect with young people across Europe
• Grow your leadership and facilitation skills
• Engage with experts and policymakers
• Travel, accommodation, and catering covered for Riga and Brussels (up to 200 € each)
• Receive an honorarium of 700 € upon successful completion
• Make a real impact through European-level policy recommendations

You should apply if…
• You’re 16–30, live in Europe, and enjoy organizing and leading discussions
• You have C1-level English and can communicate complex topics
• You’re self-motivated, reliable, and open to teamwork
• You’re curious about the Baltic region (no prior knowledge required)
• You bring some preexisting knowledge in the field of security

To apply, please submit your application exclusively via our application form.

🕓 Deadline: May 4th, 2025
📧 Questions? Contact Alexandra Ehresmann-Dyluś at: a.ehresmann.dbjw@deutsch-balten.de
🌐 More info: www.dbjw.deutsch-balten.de