This year, the 2025 NATO Youth Summit took place in Budva, Montenegro, showcasing not only the vibrant and beautiful coastal city but also emerging leaders in defense, security, and future peace-building policies. The fifth summit was “designed by youth, for youth” and focused not just on exposing a new generation to the mission of NATO and the allied countries but also on encouraging youth dialogue and collaboration.
“With war and instability on the rise, we need NATO more than ever,” shared NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who virtually welcomed all participants and speakers into the conference. This sentiment was echoed throughout the conference, with similar words shared by Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska. She allowed no room for misunderstanding, stating, “The next generation is here and already shaping the world,” and championed youth voices, collaborative action, and participation. When asked about NATO goals and initiatives, panels consider different strategies and solutions to make NATO “stronger, fairer, and more lethal” and emphasize the need for engagement with security and technology to prevent war and create a resilient, democratic society.
President Milatović of Montenegro provided insight on steps that the country took to become a member of NATO. The country became a participating member in 2017 and pledges two percent of the GDP each year to uphold these commitments. “NATO is an alliance of equals,” he proudly stated. He views this as the first step towards Montenegro becoming a member of the European Union and hopes that the nation can and will be viewed as a leading and stabilizing force within the region. Finally, he supported the sentiments of both the secretary and deputy secretary general, stating that the next generation has the power and capacity to make positive and lasting change, but only through hard work, perseverance, and commitment to education.
The two-day summit continued with multiple sessions focusing on security in the digital space, the eminent threat that AI poses to individual and global security, and “hybrid attacks in the digital age.” There were many discussions both in panels and in networking spaces regarding AI’s role in the spread of disinformation and misinformation, despite popular misconceptions that this would not be possible. Speakers encouraged participants to get involved in cyberspace, whether that be through coding, security, quality assurance, or protecting the states from AI attacks, and to be informed to protect the future from exploitation and threat. With discussions surrounding emerging threats, the war in Ukraine was at the center of many discussions. Many shared the feeling that “what happens in Ukraine will affect the rest of the world,” and the urgency to look for a long-term solution within Europe was at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts and conversations.
Emerging threats lend a hand to the call for younger voices and leaders to step into action. With Gen Z being considered the “digital generation,” growing up around digital technology allows a level of familiarity that has not naturally existed with previous generations. NATO encouraged young leaders to familiarize themselves with digital security, coding, and cyberspace and bring their ideas forward as digital hazards continue to grow. An exchange of information or cross-generational contracts was emphasized as a mutually beneficial partnership between young and experienced trailblazers alike as the scope of defense undeniably changes.
The conference concluded with a panel hosted by young individuals who have exhibited outstanding leadership within their respective fields. Each had time to share with the audience what they envision for the future and how they hope to inspire collaborative action. Their call to action resonated with the previous panelists while simultaneously centering and illuminating their individuality, fresh perspectives, and solutions. The NATO Youth Summit was a refreshing space that allowed young leaders and inspiring voices to come together to share ideas and passions and build lasting bridges that seek to stabilize the international sphere and protect peace and security at all costs.
