Nordic-Baltic Summit: Summit Programme
The programme for the event is in draft format as we continue to engage external speakers and nations in providing inputs. An outline programme is given below, with updates made regularly as the programme is confirmed.
Monday 9 November
Welcome Lunch 12.15 - 1pm
Networking lunch at YOTEL Edinburgh for an opportunity to connect before the Summit begins.
Day 1 afternoon 1 - 4.30pm
The Summit will open with welcome remarks and context setting from James Russell, Senior Director of Transformation and Skills Development Scotland.
Session 1 - User Centred Design
Humanly, a specialist co-design agency, will kick of session with a short presentation on the importance of understanding users needs and shaping your services with them. Two nations will provide short presentations on their work, followed by group discussions.
Session 2 - Impact of AI
Jaana Kettunen, University of Jyvaskyla will take us through “What AI means for career development, guidance and workforce support system”, offering provocations and considerations to take into discussions about the future of digital careers services.
Arnar Þorsteinsson, Project Manager at The Directorate of Education and School Services in Iceland, will share insights into their approach they have taken for developing an AI chatbot.
We’ll also have input from participating nations on developments and approaches taken to generate further ideas for discussion. Details to follow soon.
Day 1 Summit Close at 4.30pm
Evening Meal and Cultural Experience 6 - 9.30pm
Each year, the host nation organises a dinner for the attendees of the Summit. This is coupled with a cultural experience that gives a little insight into the culture and heritage of the host nation.
Delegates attending the cultural activity and evening dinner on Monday 9 November are encouraged to wear smart casual attire. Please wear comfortable footwear that you would be happy to walk a distance in.
Tuesday 10 November
Day 2 morning 9.05am - 12.50pm
Intro & recap
We’ll start day two with a quick reflection on the previous day. Run through of day before and outline plan for day 2.
Session 3 - Classroom to Work
Scottish Borders Council will share how learners at Hawick High School have gained valuable work-based learning opportunities through their partnership with Johnsons of Elgin.
We’ll then move into short demonstrations relating to the theme from external speakers and participating nations, followed by collaborative discussions.
Session 4 - Labour Market Outcomes Matter
Lynne Robson, Head of Evaluation and Impact at Skills Development Scotland, will discuss Labour Market Insights.
We’ll then move into short demonstrations relating to the theme from external speakers and participating nations, followed by collaborative discussions.
From Skills Development Scotland, Taylor Stewart, National CIAG manager, and Laura MacFadyen, Data Sharing Team Leader, will be discussing the 16+ Participation Portal, which holds information on 16 to 24-year-olds that can be shared securely between partners to help young people get the support they need.
Lunch & networking 12.50 – 1.50pm
Day 2 afternoon 2 - 4pm
Session 5 - Afternoon collaborative Sessions
This session will bring together the outputs from the previous discussions and allow delegates to discuss the key emerging opportunities to share and collaborate in future.
We’ll shape up actions and next steps that we can take as a collective, enabling continued dialogue and engagement across the network.
Summit Close 4 - 4.15pm
Nordic-Baltic Summit
Scotland will host the Nordic-Baltic Summit for Digital Careers Services 2026, having previously attended as a guest nation.
Speakers
We’re finalising speakers. Find out who’s involved.
Registration
Book your place at this invitation only event