Aspen Institute to Co-Host the 2024 NATO Youth Summit in the 75th Anniversary Year of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NATO and the Aspen Institute will bring young people together with leading officials to discuss global security priorities at a Transatlantic event.

Contact: Jon Purves
Media Relations Director
The Aspen Institute
[email protected]

Washington, DC, & Miami, FL, March 28, 2024-NATO will hold its annual Youth Summit on 13 May this year, in two locations across the Atlantic, in Miami, Florida, and Stockholm, Sweden, as the Alliance celebrates its 75thAnniversary. The Miami-based stage of the NATO Youth Summit will be located at Superblue, co-hosted by NATO and the Aspen Institute, together with its International Partner organizations including the Aspen Institute Romania. On the same day, young people will also gather across the Atlantic for a linked event at the Swedish Defence University.

Registration for the Youth Summit opens today. Members of the public are invited to register their interest in attending the Youth Summit here. People aged 18-35 are also invited to enroll in the Youth Summit Challenge and compete for a sponsored seat in the audience. The challenge invites youth from across NATO member and partner countries to submit proposals (videos, artistic proposals, policy proposals, etc.) explaining their role in shaping a secure tomorrow. The most innovative proposals will receive a sponsored seat in the audience of the two event locations and the winning applicant will be invited to present their proposal on stage. To apply, visit: www.natoyouthsummit.com.

The event aims to reach beyond traditional NATO audiences and will convene over 300young people aged 18-35 from NATO Member and Partner countries to discuss security-related issues and the value and purpose of NATO in today's world. The Summit will also be streamed online, and provide a platform for young people to voice their perspectives on global security issues as NATO celebrates its 75thanniversary and Allied leaders prepare to gather for a historic summit in Washington, DC, in July.

"As NATO marks this milestone anniversary and prepares to meet the challenges of the future, we must engage the next generation of leaders in our Alliance," said NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Marie-Doha Besancenot. "They are key to ensuring NATO is well-positioned to secure our freedoms and prosperity in the decades ahead. We are excited to partner with the Aspen Institute for this event and eager for the many conversations ahead in Miami and online."

"The NATO Youth Summit is an exciting opportunity for young people to be at the center of some of the most important conversations about international security and the future of our planet" said Dan Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute. "The Aspen Institute and our International Partners are proud to partner with the alliance in its milestone year to organize a summit that promises to be truly global in its reach and ambition."

The 2024 NATO Youth Summit will consist of a one-day event featuring a program of high-level discussions, interactive sessions, and artistic performances. The Aspen Institute will be joined by its global network of International Partners in preparing for the Summit. The event will feature NATO leadership, diverse young voices, and both well-known and rising leaders in the culture, tech, climate, peace, and security sectors.

NATO and the Aspen Institute will facilitate Youth Summit Watch-Party events across key locations in the United States and Europe, expanding the reach of the event to young audiences from across the Alliance.

The agenda will empower young voices and raise awareness of our shared security environment. The Summit will delve into critical topics like the fabric of the current world order, NATO's role in preserving peace, engaging youth and diverse voices in the security arena, combating disinformation, the impact of emerging technology, and a broader approach to shared security including human rights, climate change, and women's peace and security.

The conversation can be followed on social media channels via #NATOYouthSummit. More information about the agenda, speakers, and opportunities to participate in the Summit will be shared in the coming months and can be found online here: www.natoyouthsummit.com

About the NATO Youth Summit

The NATO Youth Summit is a NATO flagship event addressing young audiences from across all NATO Members, Partner countries and beyond. The event fosters awareness of critical security topics and empowers young voices to contribute to our shared future security.

About the Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

About the Aspen Institute Romania

The Aspen Institute Romania is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization dedicated to contributing to a free, just, and democratic society. Founded in 2006, the Institute is promoting change through leadership, dialogue, and action to help address the multiple challenges facing our society, our region, and the world. Aspen Institute Romania is an active part of a global and cooperative network of Aspen Institutes. Learn more at aspeninstitute.ro.

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