Baltic Sea Forum
Annual Network Conference 2009
The "Baltic Sea Forum" (BSF), which is a non-profit and non-government organisation, convenes at its annual conference in Lübeck, Germany, on September 3rd and 4th. Former Federal Minister Kurt Bodewig (MdB), president of this network comprising all Baltic Sea Countries, will have the honour of welcoming over 60 members and friends of this association which has been founded shortly after the fall of the wall in the historic Hoghehus of the Hanseatic city; among them the Ambassador of Estonia S.E. Dr. Mart Laanemäe as guest of honour.
On the opening day, Bernd Jorkisch, president of Lübeck's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will hold a programmatic speech dealing with the topic: "Marketing Area Baltic Sea Region". The next day, Björn Engholm, former Prime Minister of Kiel, will speak about "Cultural Similarities within the Baltic Sea Area" and their significance for uniting the countries around the Baltic Sea. His speech will be in the historic Lübeck town hall.
Last year, the UN awarded the BSF the official status "Advisory non-government organisation of the UN". Focusing on this success as well as associated obligations, President Bodewig will present interim results and give a review of the years 2008 and 2009.
On this annual conference as well as in the agenda of the BSF board meeting, which takes place at the same time, this award will be substantiated and put into practice: The topics Transport and Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region as well as Health (e.g. E-Health) will make up the major issues for the residual year 2009 and the upcoming year 2010. The visit of Lübeck Drägerwerk AG offers object teaching and hands-on experiences. "Traditional" maritime topics as well as international discussion rounds under the umbrella of the BSF form additional spheres of action in 2009/2010.
