Model NATO 13th edition

While for some it might represent bad luck, for the Model NATO family the number 13 represents new beginnings. In February 2023 we had the absolute honor to celebrate the 13th edition of Model NATO back in the city where it all started, Bucharest. The conference took place in the Palace of Parliament, allowing participants to emulate the actions of NATO in the same environment where politicians and diplomats work.

The Model NATO conference was born out of the desire of our mentor, Daniela Bordei, to offer understanding of current affairs and a better tomorrow for the teenagers of today. The lack of youth involvement in foreign affairs, diplomacy and politics was our motivation to bridge the gap left by the Romanian education system. We believed that, as Romania's youth, we should not remain oblivious to current affairs, for sooner rather than later they would become our reality.

Innovating education is the root the entire project stems from. Every edition we change: we welcome new people into the organizing team, adapt to unforeseen contexts, keep our topics relevant and bring new generations to a different perspective on diplomacy and the world we live in. This year we adopted two new committees of the highest relevance to current affairs, the Defence Policy and Planning Committee and the Partnerships and Cooperative Security Committee, alongside the traditional North Atlantic Council.

On the first day, participants entered the Palace of Parliament through the main entrance. The conference was opened by Mr. Eduard Bachide, Secretary of State for relations with the Parliament, on the importance of youth engagement in NATO, followed by Brigadier General (ret.) Professor Stan Petrescu with a short, intensive course in geopolitics. One of Romania's representatives at NATO shared that her own path began at a past edition of Model NATO. Mr. Iulian Fota, State Secretary for Strategic Affairs, then took participants back to Romania's accession to the Alliance in 2004 and all that it entailed.

For two and a half days, participants debated in committees. The North Atlantic Council focused on the future of the organization and its 2030 Agenda. The Crisis Simulation of the North Atlantic Council dealt with hypothetical scenarios that demanded the most effective response. The Defence Policy and Planning Committee focused on technology and air defence against future security threats, while the Partnerships Committee debated strategic partnerships and strengthening the eastern flank through potential new partners and members. Each committee drafted, amended and voted on its own communiqué.

To close, General (ret.) Professor Mircia Chelaru spoke about the attributes of a good leader, and His Excellency Emil Constantinescu, President of Romania at the time of its accession to NATO, answered participants' questions about his career. He then awarded the title of Model NATO Ambassador to those celebrating three editions with us, before each committee announced its Best Delegate, Best First-Timer and Honorable Mentions.