NEWCASTLE OF THE WORLD CONFERENCE 2025

8–15 August, Latvia, Jaunpils

HOW THE NEWCASTLE OF THE WORLD ALLIANCE WAS BORN?

There are more than 100 cities and towns in the world whose name translates to “Newcastle”.

John Nicolaou from Newcastle upon Tyne in England came up with the idea of uniting the Newcastles and forming an alliance.

1988. , the mayor of the Japanese city of Shinshiro invited to the first meeting, where some Newcastle participated.

Subsequent gatherings were held in Neuchâtel, Switzerland 2000, USA (Newcastles of Indiana & Pennsylvania) 2002, South Africa 2004 and 2010, UK 2006 (Newcastle-under-Lyme) and 2012 (Newcastle upon Tyne), Neuburg, Germany in 2008, the Czech Republic (Nové Hrady) in 2014, Newcastle, Ontario, Canada in 2016 and our 20th anniversary conference in Shinshiro, Japan in 2018. Akhaltsikhe (Georgia), Jaunpils (Latvia), Newcastle, Ontario (Canada) and Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia) attended for the first time in 2012, as well as Nové Hrady. Nyborg (Denmark) attended for the first time in 2014, Nové Zamky (Slovakia) for the first time in 2016 and Herceg Novi (Montenegro) for the first time in 2018.

Currently, there are 17 Newcastles in the alliance. Every two years, an international conference is held in one of the Newcastles, where delegates participate in working sessions, share experiences and develop joint projects in the fields of culture, tourism, education and youth engagement.

OUR NEWCASTLE JOINS THE ALLIANCE

The year is 2012, the then Chairwoman of Jaunpils County Council, Ligita Gintere, received an invitation to the summit and join the Newcastles of the World Alliance.

The invitation was sent by the Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom) – Jackie Slesenger through the Chairman of the Latvian Association of Local Governments, Andris Jaunsleinis.

Jaunpils responded to the invitation. Ligita Gintere temporarily said: “It is important for us to bring small Jaunpils to the world, to promote the recognition of Jaunpils. This is a great opportunity to gain additional experience, to promote cooperation links, to be involved in common alliance that could unite and promote connections in the field of culture and tourism between the people of Jaunpils.”

The then Head of the Development Department of Jaunpils County Council, Vija Ziverte, added: “The summit will provide valuable contacts, cooperation partners in the future, not only between municipalities, but also between residents. There are 22 non-governmental organizations in Jaunpils and our residents are well known for their enthusiasm and desire to get involved in the development and promotion of the region. These new contacts will broaden horizons.”

From July 21 to 27, Ligita Gintere and Vija Ziverte represented Jaunpils at the 8th Newcastles of the World meeting in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, where twelve Jaunpils representatives shared their experiences on four topics – entrepreneurship, youth involvement, culture, sightseeing and hospitality. At that time, the unified world “Newcastles Passport” was also launched.

Since 2012, the Jaunpils delegation has participated in all meetings of the Newcastles of the World- in 2014 in the Czech Republic city of Nové Hrady, in 2016 in Newcastle, Ontario, Canada, in 2018 in the Japanese city of Shinshiro, and in 2023 again in the Czech Republic city of Nové Hrady.

Conference 2025 in Jaunpils, Latvia

In 2025, this special Newcastles of the World meeting will be held for the first time in Latvia — in Jaunpils, bringing together representatives from 10 countries: Japan, Switzerland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, South Africa and the United States.

Any resident of Jaunpils and Tukums region is welcome to participate in the working sessions to discuss, share experiences and listen to international stories on the four conference themes: aging, education, nature and environment, as well as the preservation of cultural heritage. The working sessions are open to all interested parties.

Days

Hours

Minutes

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PASĀKUMS IR SĀCIES! NOVĒLAM PATIKAMI PAVADĪT LAIKU!

09.08. Saturday

A day to get to know the representatives of the guest delegations in a relaxed atmosphere

Jaunpils parish festival in a Medieval atmosphere

13:00-18:00 Craftsmen and home – made products market;

14:00 – 14:30 Festive parade from Jaunpils school to castle square;

15:00 Opening of the festival. Short talk show on a stage with the delegations – for the local community and festival visitors to get to know our guests of honor better;

15:00-17:00 Delegation tents will work, where delegations will present their Newcastles to the local community and festival guests;

15:00 – 18:00 Time to enjoy the festival;

Craftsmen and home – made products market;
Joust in the palace courtyard;
Parade of medieval costumes;
Farm animals;
Archery;
Creative workshops;
Medieval music and dances;
Horseback riding and attractions for children in the park.
Water attractions on the lake;

21:30-22:30 Festival concert in the square near the castle; Latvian rock band “Dzelzs vilks” will perform;

23:00 Spectacular fire show on the islet;

10.08. Sunday

10:00-13:00 Adult work session

Topic: Aging – respectful aging maintaining activities, education and involvement in the processes and development of the local municipality.
Venue for adults: great hall of the Jaunpils castle.
Moderators: Sue Wilson from Newcastle upon Tyne

10:00-13:00 Youth work session

Topic: Environment/Nature – reducing personal carbon footprint (energy, transportation, consumption).
Venue for youth: Nature events garden, “Vagas”, Strutele
Moderator: Arta Dumbre

11.08. Monday

14:00-17:30 Adult work session:

Topic: Environment/Nature – climate change challenges for the municipalities (floods, fires, storms, hail). How to prepare, how to deal with the consequences?
Venue for adults: great hall of the Jaunpils castle.
Moderator: will be clarified

14:00-17:30 Youth work session

Topic: Aging – the healing power of nature for older adults – can improve physical and mental well – being for seniors and, how intergenerational activities in nature can strength relationships between youth and older adults.
Venue for youth: Kartavkalns nature trail.
Final orienteering in Jaunpils.
Moderators: Madara Silina, Jurgis Kuksa, Ilna Anna Ramata

12.08. Tuesday

11:30 – 16:00 (with lunch break) Adult work session

Topic: Cultural heritage and its impact on local community identity and economy.
Venue for adults: Kuldigas Makslas nams, 1st floor hall, 1905.gada street 6
Moderator: will be clarified

*Detailed conference program will follow.

11:30 – 16:00 (with lunch break) Youth work session

Topic: Our common future ideas in education and culture.
Venue for youth: Kuldigas Jauniesu centrs
Moderators: Madara Silina, Jurgis Kuksa, Ilna Anna Ramata

13.08. Wednesday

9:30-15:30 (with lunch break) Adult work session:

Topic: Education – bullying and violence in educational institutions. The issue of immigrants in educational institutions.
Venue for adults: Jaunpils school hall.
Moderator: Katarina Hozlarova (Slovakia)

9:30-12:00 Youth work session: