Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – This week three winners of the NATO Student Challenge – Western Balkans presented their innovative ideas on regional security challenges at the NATO Partnerships 360 Symposium in Sarajevo. The Challenge, launched by Allied Command Transformation and the International Staff Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, encouraged students from across the Western Balkans to explore NATO’s role in addressing the region’s strategic challenges.
Meet the Winners:
- Nia Abadzic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) whose submission highlighted the growing threat of disinformation in the Western Balkans, emphasized the need for NATO and its Allies to enhance resilience through media literacy and community engagement. She highlights, “It’s an incredible honour to be part of the NATO Partnerships 360 Symposium as one of the winners of the NATO Student Challenge – Western Balkans. We have the chance to represent the youth and build trust for generations to come.”
- Adela Domi (Albania) focused on political stability and the role of NATO in fostering cooperation among countries in the region. She shared that “being one of the winners of the NATO Student Challenge is a big opportunity to learn about NATO partnerships and meet diverse military and political cultures. Together, the youth of the Western Balkans can make great changes for our nations.”
- Jovan Vasilevski (North Macedonia) explored the influence of external actors on the security of the Western Balkans and the importance of youth participation in shaping future security landscapes. He shared, “with my participation in the NATO P360 Symposium, I hope to gain new insights from highly esteemed officials on security dynamics in the Western Balkans. This challenge has provided me with a great opportunity to explore diverse ideas and shape the future of the region.”
Fostering Youth Engagement:
This challenge is part of a broader effort by Allied Command Transformation to engage with young voices and future leaders through academic outreach and youth-focused initiatives. NATO recognizes the vital role future generations have in shaping the security landscape of tomorrow. Today’s generation of youth is the driving force for change, innovation and transformation.
According to Luisa Freutel, an Allied Command Transformation Academic Outreach Officer, “by engaging with youth, we foster multi-generational dialogue, educate about NATO’s mission and values, and build a more secure and informed world. Today’s youth are active participants in shaping the future, and through initiatives like this, we are not just investing in their futures, but in the future of global security.”
Key Takeaways:
- The winners’ insights highlight the pressing security challenges facing the Western Balkans, including hybrid threats, disinformation, and external influences.
- The NATO Student Challenge demonstrates NATO’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of security leaders.
- Youth engagement is essential for addressing regional security challenges and shaping the future of the Western Balkans.
The NATO Student Challenge – Western Balkans has successfully showcased the innovative ideas and potential of young people in the region. By providing a platform for their voices to be heard, NATO is investing in the future of security and ensuring a more informed and engaged generation.
