Nordic Media Festival 2026
Youth Voices for Democracy: Strengthening Media Literacy, Democratic Resilience and Information Integrity
20–23 August 2026
Scandic Avia Congress Hotel, Vantaa, Finland
Working language: English
The Nordic Media Festival 2026 will bring together young people, educators, journalists, media professionals, researchers, policymakers and civil society organisations from across the Nordic-Baltic region to explore how youth can strengthen media literacy, critical thinking, digital resilience and democratic participation.
Today’s young people are growing up in a digital world shaped by artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, influencers, misinformation, information overload and fast-changing technologies. The festival will focus on how youth can navigate these challenges responsibly while becoming active content creators, storytellers, fact-checkers, community leaders and contributors to democratic resilience.
The programme includes expert panels, youth dialogues, practical workshops, media skills sessions, meetings with media professionals and a digital exhibition of youth-produced media content. Participants will explore topics such as:
- media literacy and critical thinking
- AI, deepfakes and disinformation
- social media, influencers and civic participation
- digital wellbeing and cognitive resilience
- fact-checking and information integrity
- youth activism and democratic participation
- community journalism and positive media use
A key outcome of the festival will be the development and adoption of the Nordic Youth Media Manifesto — a youth-led document with recommendations for strengthening media literacy, democratic participation, cognitive wellbeing and information resilience across the Nordic-Baltic region.
Festival agenda
20 August: Arrival, digital exhibition of youth media contributions and opening debates
21 August: Nordic Media Conference and co-creation of the Nordic Youth Media Manifesto
22 August: Practical workshops, media meetings and youth media activities
23 August: Presentation of outcomes, adoption of the Manifesto, conclusions and departures
Key message: Empowering young people to think critically, stay resilient, protect their cognitive wellbeing, navigate digital challenges responsibly and actively contribute to democratic and inclusive societies.
Main conference: 21 August 2026
Youth Voices for Democracy: Strengthening Media Literacy, Democratic Resilience and Information Integrity
The conference will include three main panels:
Panel I: Growing Up in the Digital Age: Youth, Identity and Cognitive Wellbeing
Panel II: Critical Thinking and Fighting Disinformation in the Age of AI
Panel III: Social Media, Influencers and Civic Participation
The day will also include working groups where young participants will develop recommendations for the Nordic Youth Media Manifesto.
Key experts include: Leif Lønsmann, Annemarie Balle, Katrin Villima Otsing, Anneli Ahonen and others.
Conference moderator: Vassili Golikov
AGENDA
21st August 2026, Scandic Avia Congress, Vantaa, Finland
Conference “Youth Voices for Democracy: Strengthening Media Literacy, Democratic Resilience and Information Integrity”
10.00 – 10.10 Welcoming words
10.10 – 10.30 Keynote speeches
10.30 – 11.30 Panel I – Growing Up in the Digital Age: Youth, Identity and Cognitive Wellbeing
Topics:
- Information overload and attention economy
- Social media and mental wellbeing
- Digital habits and healthy media consumption
- Online pressure, comparison culture and resilience
- Supporting young people’s cognitive and emotional wellbeing
Moderator: Susanne Kallanvaare, Sweden or other expert
11.30 – 11.45 Discussions in groups
11.45 – 12.45 Panel II – Critical Thinking and Fighting Disinformation in the Age of AI
Topics:
- Misinformation, disinformation and propaganda
- AI-generated content and deepfakes
- Fact-checking and verification skills
- Media literacy as a democratic competence
- Building information resilience among young people
Moderator: Leif Lønsmann, Denmark
12.45 – 13.00 Discussions in groups
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch
14.00 – 15.00 Panel III – Social Media, Influencers and Civic Participation
Topics:
- The influence of content creators and digital opinion leaders
- Responsible influence and ethical communication
- Youth activism and civic engagement online
- Using social media for positive social impact
- Building trust and dialogue in digital communities
Moderator: German Morris, Estonia
15.00 – 15.10 Discussions in groups
15.15 – 16.15 Working groups “Youth Voices and Democratic Resilience: Preparing for Future Challenges”
In frame of working group youth will discuss and develop Youth recommendations for the Nordic Youth Media Manifesto:
- Youth perspectives on democracy and participation
- Democratic resilience in uncertain times
- Polarisation and social cohesion
- Community engagement and local action
Moderators national delegation leaders lead by Laura Rajala, Finland
15.00 – 16.30 Discussions in groups
16.30 – 17.00 Summary
Key Conference Message: Empowering young people to think critically, stay resilient, maintain cognitive wellbeing, navigate digital challenges responsibly and actively contribute to democratic and inclusive societies.
More information: info@sscw.ee / feminasuomi@gmail.com