The 1st Baltic Rectors’ Forum created a unique platform for dialogue between academia, business, and public administration across the Baltic Sea region. As emphasized by the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, Prof. Piotr Stepnowski, the Baltic Sea is no longer merely a geographical area but is becoming one of Europe’s most strategically important regions. The Forum demonstrated that effectively addressing contemporary regional challenges requires combining scientific knowledge with practical experience and jointly developing solutions that transcend national and sectoral boundaries.
The Forum culminated in the signing of the Baltic Rectors’ Declaration (the Gdańsk Declaration), establishing a foundation for long-term cooperation among universities, businesses, and public authorities in the Baltic Sea region. The Declaration focuses on the development of a common energy system and builds on successful cooperation models previously developed in the North Sea region under the Hamburg Declaration. The newly signed Declaration outlines strategic directions for regional development in areas that are critical to the future of the Baltic Sea region, including security, energy transition, the maritime economy, and innovation. It also highlights the importance of knowledge and scientific research as a basis for informed decision-making regarding the region’s development.
The Centre for Maritime Economy Research at the University of Gdańsk had the privilege of supporting the preparation of the Gdańsk Declaration from a scientific and expert perspective. Prof. Ernest Czermański, Director of the Centre, participated in the work of the Scientific Council, and the signed Declaration represents an important outcome of the joint efforts of the academic community and its partners.
We believe that the Gdańsk Declaration will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening cooperation aimed at building a safe, innovative, and competitive Baltic Sea region.
What role should universities and research centres play in shaping the future of the Baltic Sea region? Which areas of cooperation between academia, business, and public administration are today the most important for the region’s future? We invite you to join the discussion. #CMER #UniversityOfGdansk #GdanskDeclaration #BalticRectorsForum #BalticSeaRegion #MaritimeEconomy #BlueEconomy #OffshoreWind #Gdansk #BalticSea
