NORFOLK, VA. – On February 12th 2024, Model NATO Challenge students from the Hampton Roads area visited NATO’s Allied Command Transformation to receive mentorship from NATO officials, gaining experience on political relations in preparation for the 2024 Model NATO Challenge event.
The Model NATO Challenge is a collaborative public education event that started in 2007, with 32 high-school students from around the Hampton Roads communities participating in the annual challenge. The Model NATO Challenge is a decision-making simulation of a North Atlantic Council session, with Student Ambassadors assigned to NATO member states. Officials from NATO member nations mentor participants, providing the students with political, military, and diplomatic guidance.
General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, shared his opening remarks: “The future belongs to you, and NATO needs smart, passionate young people like you to help shape it. […] Remember, every perspective matters. Just like Finland sees the world differently from Italy, each country brings its own unique voice to the table. By understanding and respecting these differences, you can work together to find solutions that benefit everyone. During the challenge, you’ll face tough questions and complex situations. But don’t worry, it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing your knowledge, willingness to learn, and ability to work with others. Remember, true strength comes from cooperation, not dominance.”
Every year, the Student Ambassadors solve a new challenge, each representing real-world scenarios; last year’s problem focused on challenges in the High North, involving a myriad of realistic political and military risks. NATO Allied Command Transformation officials chair the North Atlantic Council session by acting as the Secretary General, the Chair of the Military Committee, and the Assistant Secretary General of Political Affairs.
NATO Allied Command Transformation leads the transformation efforts of military structures, forces, capabilities, and doctrines, ensuring NATO is prepared to fight today and tomorrow. These Student Ambassadors have the unique opportunity to learn from officials about NATO, on topics such as strategic foresight analysis, multi-domain operations, and warfare development approaches.
Allied Command Transformation has been NATO’s home in the United States since 2003; this Model NATO Challenge begins the countdown to the 71st Norfolk NATO Festival, which was first held in 1953.
