08:30–09:00
29 June 2026 · Inaugural Edition
1st Baltic
Rectors' Forum
Shaping Academic Leadership in the New Strategic Baltic
A Word from the Organizers
Preface
The Baltic Sea region stands at a defining moment in its modern history. The evolving geopolitical landscape has transformed the Baltic into a strategic core of Euro-Atlantic security, while the region is simultaneously emerging as a focal point of Europe’s energy transition, maritime development, and environmental responsibility. In response to these profound changes, the 1st Baltic Rectors’ Forum, held in Gdańsk in June 2026 under the theme “The Baltic Sea Region in a New Geopolitical Era,” brings together academic leaders for a high-level strategic dialogue on the future of the region.
Universities today are not only centers of knowledge but key actors in addressing complex transnational challenges—from energy security and critical infrastructure to environmental resilience and digital transformation. This Forum marks the beginning of a new platform for cooperation among Baltic academic institutions, fostering long-term collaboration and joint strategic thinking. It also opens the way for new frameworks such as the emerging “Baltic Energy Council,” where academia may serve as a permanent intellectual and advisory pillar. We are honored to welcome you to this important initiative.
Prof. Piotr Stepnowski
UG Rector, Chair of the Organising Committee
About the Forum
The Baltic Sea Region
in a New Geopolitical Era
Following the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, the Baltic Sea has become a strategic core of Euro-Atlantic security. Universities have a critical role in shaping this transformation.
32
Partner Universities
8
Baltic Sea Countries
4
Thematic Panels
1
Inaugural Edition
The 1st Baltic Rectors’ Forum is designed to initiate a permanent academic platform for cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, particularly in the fields of energy, security, technology and innovation.
The region is emerging as a key European hub for energy transition, maritime economy, digital resilience, and environmental sustainability — areas where academic institutions play an irreplaceable role in driving innovation and educating the next generation of experts.
The Forum aims to result in a Baltic Universities Cooperation Framework and establish a permanent Baltic Rectors’ Platform to coordinate regional academic strategy through 2035.
Energy Transition
Offshore wind, hydrogen economy and cross-border energy integration
Security
Critical infrastructure protection and cyber resilience
Innovation
Start-ups, deep-tech and research commercialization ecosystems
Sustainability
Environmental protection and maritime ecological strategy
Cooperation
Joint research platforms, doctoral schools, academic mobility
Digital
Satellite technologies, data platforms and digital infrastructure
29 June 2026
Full Day Programme
A structured day of keynotes, panels and strategic sessions, from opening at 09:00 to evening reception — bringing together rectors and international partners.
08:30–09:00 · Registration and Welcome Coffee
09:00–09:30 · Opening Session
09:00–09:30
Official opening of the Forum and welcome addresses by the organisers and institutional partners.
Speakers:
- Prof. Piotr Stepnowski – Rector of the University of Gdańsk
- Sławomir Radoń – Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at ORLEN
- Aleksandra Dulkiewicz – Mayor of the City of Gdańsk
09:30–09:45 · Security and Resilience in the Baltic Sea Region: Hybrid Threats, NATO and the EU Perspective
09:30–09:45 · Lecture
Speaker: Fredrik Löjdquist – Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS)
09:45–10:30 · Panel 1: Diplomatic Perspective on the Baltic Sea Region
09:45–10:30
Discussion with diplomatic representatives on the strategic transformation of the Baltic Sea region and the future of regional and global cooperation through the eyes of their partners.
Moderator: Sławomir Radoń – Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at ORLEN
Participants:
- Rauf Alp Denktaş – Ambassador of Türkiye to Poland
- Saoud Abdulla Z. Al Mahmoud – Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Poland
- Enass Alshahwan – Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Poland
- Karl Matthias Klause – Consul General of Germany to Poland
- Kazimierz Musiał – Council of the Baltic Sea States
10:30–10:45 · Building Durable Regional Public Policies in an Era of Geopolitical Fragmentation
10:30–10:45 · Lecture
Speaker: Michael A. Mehling – MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
10:45–11:00 · From Competition to Cooperation: How Baltic Ports Can Build Regional Security and Innovation.
10:45–11:00 · Lecture
Speaker: Alan Aleksandrowicz – Port of Gdańsk
11:00–11:20 · Coffee Break
11:00–11:20
11:20–11:35 · Offshore Wind and Energy Transition in the Baltic Sea Region
11:20–11:35 · Lecture
Speaker: Prof. Lena Kitzing – Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
11:35–11:50 · Can the North Sea Energy Cooperation Become a Model for the Baltic Region?
11:35–11:50 · Lecture · online
Speaker: Prof. Beatriz Martinez Romera – University of Copenhagen
11:50–12:35 · Panel 2: Strategic Energy Challenges in the Baltic Region
11:50–12:35
The role of universities and science in shaping the future Baltic energy agenda. Discussion on energy security, offshore infrastructure, nuclear and renewable energy development, and the strategic role of academia in supporting regional energy policy.
Moderator: Tom O. Kleppestø – Nordic Marine Advisory Group
Participants:
- Prof. Daivis Virbickas – Kaunas University of Technology / Lithuanian Energy Institute
- Jacek Murawski – ORLEN
- Prof. Lena Kitzing – Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- Wojciech Falkowski – Baltic Nuclear Energy Forum
- Prof. Dariusz Mikielewicz – Gdańsk University of Technology
- Arnstein Eknes – DNV AS, Norway
- Andrius Sutnikas – Western Baltic Engineering
12:35–12:40 · CEEPR reflections for the Baltic Energy Council
12:35–12:40 · Lecture
Speaker: Joshua Hodge – MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
12:40–12:50 · Family Photo
12:40–12:50
12:50–14:00 · Lunch
12:50–14:00
14:00–14:15 · Baltic University Programme – 30 Years of Academic Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
14:00–14:15 · Lecture
Speaker: Prof. Charlotte Platzer Björkman – Uppsala University
14:15–15:15 · Panel 3: Academic Cooperation and Education in the Baltic Sea Region
14:15–15:15
Joint research, mobility and future academic partnerships. Discussion on regional academic cooperation, joint educational programmes, research networks, mobility schemes and future institutional partnerships across the Baltic Sea region.
Moderator: Prof. Hans Adolfsson – Stockholm University
Participants:
- Prof. Morten Overgaard – Technical University of Denmark
- Prof. Gunilla Widén – Åbo Akademi University
- Prof. Arturas Razbadauskas – Klaipėda University
- Prof. Juhani Soini – Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Prof. Izabela Bodus-Olkowska – Maritime University of Szczecin
- Prof. Ineta Dabašinskienė – Vytautas Magnus University
15:15–15:30 · Coffee Break
15:15–15:30
15:30–15:45 · HELCOM and Regional Environmental Governance in the Baltic Sea
15:30–15:45 · Lecture
Speaker: Rüdiger Strempel – Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM)
16:00–16:45 · Panel 4: Environmental Resilience and Academic Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
16:00–16:45
Discussion on strengthening scientific cooperation to address climate resilience, marine protection and environmental sustainability challenges in the Baltic Sea region.
Moderator: Joshua Hodge – MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
Participants:
- Prof. Ralph Schneider – Kiel University
- Prof. Eugenijus Valatka – Kaunas University of Technology
- Rüdiger Strempel – HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Commission
- Prof. Daniel Schiller – University of Greifswald
- Prof. Anders Kottorp – University of Gävle
- Prof. Adam Weintrit – Gdynia Maritime University
- Dr. Laura Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė – Klaipėda University
16:45–17:00 · Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership – European Cooperation for Sustainable Maritime Development
16:45–17:00 · Lecture
Speaker: Monika Włoszek – National Coordinator for the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership
17:00–18:00 · Closing Session and Strategic Declaration
17:00–18:00 · Session
Concluding Remarks · Signing Ceremony of the Gdańsk Declaration — Agreement on Cooperation for the Development and Energy Security of the Baltic Sea Region under the auspices of the Baltic Energy Council · Ceremonial Closing and Summary of the Forum.
Speakers:
- Sławomir Radoń – Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at ORLEN
- Prof. Piotr Stepnowski – Rector of the University of Gdańsk
Academic Leadership
Scientific Committee
Distinguished academic leaders from across the Baltic Sea region
shaping the programme and scholarly direction of the Forum.
Hans Adolfsson
Stockholm University
Michał Markuszewski
Medical University of Gdańsk
Carsten Orth Gaarn-Larsen
Technical University of Denmark
Arturas Razbadauskas
Klaipeda University
Piotr Stepnowski
University of Gdańsk
Tomasz Szubrycht
Polish Naval Academy
Gunilla Widén
Åbo Akademi University
Adam Weintrit
Gdynia Maritime University
Izabela Bodus–Olkowska
Maritime University of Szczecin
Anders Kottorp
University of Gävle
Charlotte Platzer Björkman
Uppsala University
Ralph Schneider
Kiel University
Juhani Soini
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Eugenijus Valatka
Kaunas University of Technology
Krzysztof Wilde
Gdańsk University of Technology
Partner Institutions
States around the Baltic Sea
Major academic institutions from eight countries forming the first Baltic Rectors’ Forum
— the foundation of a permanent cooperation platform.
Poland
Denmark
Sweden
Finland
Germany
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania
Location
University of Gdańsk
The University of Gdańsk is a leading academic institution known for its commitment to excellence in research and education. With a strong Baltic and maritime character, the university actively engages in studies related to the sea, environment, and international cooperation. Its modern campus offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Located in a green and accessible area, it provides a comfortable and stimulating environment for conference participants.
Main Library
The University of Gdańsk is a leading academic institution known for its commitment to excellence in research and education. With a strong Baltic and maritime character, the university actively engages in studies related to the sea, environment, and international cooperation. Its modern campus offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Located in a green and accessible area, it provides a comfortable and stimulating environment for conference participants.
Biblioteka Główna UG
ul. Wita Stwosza 53 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
Monday, 29 June 2026
09:00 — 17:45 + Evening Reception
Transport
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport — 25 min by TAXI
Gdańsk Główny railway station — 20 min
Hotel
Hotel recommendations will be provided upon registration
Partner Institutions
Institutions behind the Forum
The Forum is organised by the University of Gdańsk, with ORLEN SA as the strategic partner
— bringing together academic leadership and industrial vision.
Organiser
Strategic partner
Strategic partner
PATRONS
PARTNERS
Register
Join the Forum
Register your interest in attending the 1st Baltic Rectors' Forum on 29 June 2026 in Gdańsk.
City of Gdańsk
Located on the Baltic coast, Gdańsk is a vibrant city where rich history meets modern energy. Its remarkable cultural heritage and its role as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement make it a place of profound historical significance. The charming Old Town, maritime spirit, and cultural diversity create an inspiring atmosphere for international gatherings. Easily accessible and full of character, the city offers a unique blend of tradition and a welcoming, dynamic environment.
Contact
Get in Touch
For inquiries regarding the Forum, programme, accreditation or media,
please contact the organising team at the University of Gdańsk.
University of Gdańsk
kontakt@baltic-forum.org
Media accreditation requests
biuro.rzecznika@ug.edu.pl
Partnership
Sponsorship and partnership
tomasz.czuba@ug.edu.pl/u>
1st Baltic Rectors' Forum
An inaugural academic platform for cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, focused on energy, security, technology and innovation. Hosted by the University of Gdańsk, 29 June 2026.
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© 2026 University of Gdańsk