Model NATO 12th edition

The year 2022 was a year of firsts for the Model NATO family: our first conference abroad, our first visit to NATO Headquarters in Brussels and our first edition in Iași. In December, to close the tenth year since Model NATO began, our desire to learn and grow led us to Craiova, a city that had yet to discover the beauty of debate and the complexity of diplomacy.

Model NATO was welcomed with open arms at the Dolj County Prefecture, where participants debated "Advancing Technology to Combat New Security Threats".

On the first day we welcomed Craiova's mayor, Mrs. Olguța Vasilescu, who spoke about the county's development and the tangible benefits NATO has brought Romania. Mr. Paul King, Programme Officer for Engagements at NATO's Public Diplomacy Division, led an interactive dialogue on the ways young people can and should be engaged in NATO. Lecturer Mihai Ghițulescu spoke about studying political science and its relevance to diplomacy, and representatives of NATO's Multinational Brigade South-East answered participants' questions about how the Alliance operates militarily and keeps the peace.

The next two days were dedicated to debate. Participants took the stance of the countries they represented and worked towards plans that would help NATO keep its technological edge and stay proactive against security threats. We watched them gain confidence with every speech: they arrived inexperienced and timid, and left the Prefecture more knowledgeable, engaged and eager for the next opportunity.

At the closing ceremony we awarded Best Delegate, Best First-Timer, Honorable Mention and Excellency Awards, and named as Model NATO Ambassadors the participants and organizers who had been with us for three editions. We are grateful for the support of the Dolj County Prefecture and hope to return soon.