Model NATO 11th edition

We live in a time when diplomacy and security are of the utmost importance. Celebrating our 10th anniversary at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, we understood that it is our responsibility to spread NATO's values, and ours, among young people. The 11th edition of Model NATO took place in Iași, Romania.

Model NATO grew from the desire of a few enthusiastic high schoolers and their mentor, Daniela Bordei, to show a new perspective on security and a better tomorrow for the planet. As a practical exercise in a system that suffers from extreme theorization, it helps teenagers develop leadership, strategy and teamwork skills.

This edition was dedicated to firsts. We reached passionate teenagers from Iași and from Chișinău, Moldova, and followed the format we had used at NATO Headquarters. The first day was hosted at the "Mihai Eminescu" Central Library. The Opening Ceremony began with a speech from the mayor of Iași, Mr. Mihai Chirica, on NATO's relationship with Romania, followed by an appeal from Mr. Nicola de Santis, Head of Engagements at NATO, and a message on peace from His Excellency Emil Constantinescu, former President of Romania. In the afternoon, Model NATO Ambassadors held briefings on NATO as an organization and Romania's role within it, modeled on those our team attended in Brussels.

The following two days were held at the "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University, where participants debated strengthening NATO's eastern flank through new memberships and partnerships. At the Closing Ceremony we heard from Mr. Broderick Moncrieff, International Coordinator for Edith Cowan University, Australia, and Mrs. Lidia Gaiginschi, Vice-Rector of the "Gheorghe Asachi" University.

The people of Iași inspired us to continue and bring this experience to many more high school students. Thank you for being part of our journey.