From 9 to 11 July, the NATO Anniversary Summit, dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Alliance, took place in Washington, DC. In preparation for this important event, the Youth Meeting of the North Atlantic Council was held on 5 July at the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The event was organised by the ANTS National Interest Network and the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) with the support of the NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine.
The event was attended by about 100 young people from all over Ukraine who proved to be true leaders. They were given a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the work of NATO institutions, gain practical skills in negotiation, strategy development and decision-making.
It was held in the format of a simulation of a North Atlantic Council meeting, which helps young people to better understand the mechanisms of global politics. The simulation game addressed a number of important issues, including strengthening the security of NATO members in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Hanna Hopko, Head of the Board of the Network for the Protection of National Interests “ANTS” and co-founder of ICUV, welcomed the youth to the capital and stressed the importance of the resilience and determination of young Ukrainians:
“Being a member of NATO means making the Alliance strong and united, capable of deterring the advance of authoritarian states. The ANTS Network has already held four Models of the NATO Youth Parliamentary Assembly, and we are now holding a Youth Meeting of the North Atlantic Council. These are important events during which we introduce young people to the rules of NATO. Our participating students learn how to make decisions, debate, and work on resolutions and statements, covering issues such as artificial intelligence and the defence industry. This is a testament to their readiness for future challenges and active participation in global processes. Young people are not only the future but also the present of our country. Their activity, innovation and indomitable spirit are key to building a stronger and safer Ukraine.”
Bridget Brink, US Ambassador to Ukraine, underlined the importance of NATO as an alliance of democracies and expressed support for Ukraine’s future in the Alliance. She noted that civil society is an integral part of democracy and plays a key role in a country’s development.
“NATO is not only a military force, but also the values that unite our countries. These values are important both for our interaction on the battlefield and for the functioning of our political systems. The Alliance is an alliance of democracies, and that is what makes it the most powerful military alliance in the world.
Civil society is the backbone of democracy, providing checks and balances and active citizen participation in decision-making. This is important not only for domestic stability but also for international cooperation. NATO, as a political-military organisation, is based on the principles of democracy, which foster cooperation and support among its members,” Brink said.
Vineta Kleine, Director of the NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine, assured of support for Ukraine on its path to NATO.
“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe and undermined the rules-based international order, and NATO is responding with unity and determination, strengthening our deterrence and defence, providing unprecedented support to Ukraine, and strengthening our global partnership. The Washington Summit will send a strong message of unity and resolve, and a clear message to Russia that it cannot wait. NATO Allies are determined and Allies are steadfast in their support for Ukraine. Accordingly, at the Summit, we will step up our support both now and in the future. And that includes planning for NATO to play a greater role in coordinating security assistance and training for Ukraine. As we know, more than 99% of all military support to Ukraine is currently provided by NATO Allies. Allies agree that Ukraine’s future lies in NATO, that membership is a matter of when, not if,” said Ms. Kleine.
During a simulation game at the North Atlantic Council Youth Meeting, Peter van de Velde, Ambassador of Belgium to Ukraine, spoke about the importance of Ukraine’s resilience and its path to NATO and EU membership:
“I know that resilience is not a problem here in Ukraine. Who would have thought two years ago that we would still be standing here in Ukraine today, talking about NATO and talking about Ukraine’s bridge to NATO. Who would have thought two years ago that NATO now has a firm path, that under the Belgian presidency we were able to formally start the negotiation process for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Ukraine is still standing. And I hope that victory will come soon, because Ukrainians deserve it.”