NATOFieldSchoolAlumna RepresentsProgramat2025NATO YouthSummitinMontenegro
One of the most thought-provoking panels focused on youth perspectives on defence and innovation. Keirennotedtheimportanceofkeepingexpectations grounded in reality, identifying efficiencies through collaboration, and embracing new approaches even iftheydonotalwayssucceed Speakersencouraged young people to hold older generations accountable for the lack of education on defence while also askinginformedquestionstodeepenunderstanding
Other panels explored NATO’s ongoing efforts to supportUkraineandbuildstrongerpartnerships.One session highlighted the Joint Analysis Training and EducationCentre,whereUkrainianparticipantsshare their experiences from the war as part of NATO training efforts. Another panel on regional security emphasized Albania’s leadership in the Western Balkans, including recent collaboration with Croatia andKosovoonjointdefenceprocurement Speakers also highlighted the need for more youth in senior roles,particularlyincybersecurity
Cybersecurity was a major theme of the day, with experts underscoring that technology must be supported by sound policy. As one panelist explained, cybersecurity is not just a technical issue butahumanone.
We were proud to see NATO Field School alumna Keiren McClelland represent the program at the NATO Youth Summit, heldApril25and26inBudva,Montenegro OrganizedbyNATOin partnership with the Atlantic Council of Montenegro, the summit brought together emerging leaders from across the Alliance to explorethefutureofpeace,security,andtransatlanticcooperation
Day1Highlights:Insight,Innovation,and IntergenerationalDialogue
Keiren’s first day at the summit featured a series of impactful discussions. During a Q&A with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană, participants were reminded that “words can do more damage than weapons” and that “the absence of war is not enough to guarantee peace.” In a separate session, the President ofMontenegroemphasizedthatgoodleadershipbeginswithhard workandtheabilitytolistenandunderstandthepublic.
ConversationwithNATODeputySecretaryGeneral
Day2:FromCareerstoCulture
Onthesecondday,Keirenjoinedasessiononcareeropportunities at NATO, where she gained insight into what the organization looksforinapplicants.Intheafternoon,allparticipantstookpartin aculturalvisittoKotorandTivat,offeringachancetoconnectand reflectinabeautifulsetting.
Day1Panel:‘WesternBalkansfromStability toStrength’
Keytakeaways
Reflectingonherexperience,Keirenshared:
Day1:Fishbowlsessionwithaninvertedroleoftheaudienceandspeakers. ThissessionflipPEthetraditionalpowerdynamic puttingyoungleaders, activists,andengagedaudiencemembersintheinnercircle,while policymakersaskquestions,anddiscussfromtheoutercircle
“IwasdeeplyhonouredtorepresenttheNATOFieldSchoolandSimulationProgramatthisyear’sNATOYouthSummit.Imet so many brilliant individuals already making a difference in their communities. These are the three most important lessons I tookaway:
1.Weshouldbecallingoutoldergenerationsfornotproperlyeducatingusaboutsecurityanddefence,whileaskingthem therightquestionstolearnmore.
2.Collaborationiskey,especiallybetweenalliedcountriesandpartnerorganizations.
3.Theabsenceofwarisnotenoughtocompletelyguaranteepeace.”
We are incredibly grateful to Keiren for sh
this inspiringevent
