Razom Summer University: Strengthening Societal Security in the Baltic Sea Region and Ukraine

The Razom Summer University programme focused on crisis management, resilience-building, and societal security, with particular attention to the links between the Baltic Sea Region and Ukraine in today's security context.

Over the course of five days, participants joined in lectures, workshops, and practical group exercises. Experts from the Lviv State University of Life Safety (LSULS) conducted a hands-on session on first aid and shared first-hand experiences from Ukraine. Special contributions came from Andriy Martynenko (CBSS) and Bożena Kruk (Poland's Ministry of Interior), who presented updates on the revision of the PA Secure Action Plan and shared insights into the Baltic Excellence Programme.

A central part of the programme was group work, where students developed practical recommendations for enhancing societal security cooperation between Ukraine and the Baltic Sea Region. Their work culminated in a panel discussion on 26 August, where participants presented their proposals and received feedback from an international panel of representatives from civil protection organisations, including the CBSS, MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency), SESU (State Emergency Service of Ukraine), and the Polish State Fire Service. The feedback session not only validated the students' ideas but also encouraged further cooperation between the region's institutions and young professionals.

By the end of the Summer University, participants had deepened their knowledge and skills in crisis management and societal security, while also contributing to practical recommendations for regional cooperation. The event demonstrated the value of bringing together young professionals from different countries to share experiences, foster mutual learning, and strengthen resilience across borders.

The Summer University was organised under the Razom project, led by the Swedish Defence University, co-organised with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and Lviv State Universtiy of Live Safety (LSULS), and conducted with the support of the Polish Fire Academy in Warsaw. The project is funded by the Swedish Institute.