The First Edition of the SSWP Forum
Security Studies and World Politics successfully organized the first edition of the SSWP Forum at the Senate of Romania on April 18, 2024. The event brought together more than 150 security and international relations experts, state decision-makers, students, and representatives of civil society.
The first part of the event featured the conference “Current Challenges and Developments in European Collective Security: 75 Years of NATO and Romania’s 20 Years of NATO Membership.” The conference created a dynamic platform dedicated to developing diplomatic and strategic skills, promoting international cooperation, and advancing the core values of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The event aimed to strengthen critical thinking, leadership, theoretical and practical knowledge, and a commitment to peace and collective security among students of the Faculty of Political Science, University of Bucharest, and beyond. The second part of the Forum gave 32 participants the opportunity to assume the roles of NATO ambassadors in a dynamic and interactive North Atlantic Council Simulation. The theme of the simulation was “NATO Enlargement Strategy.” This engaging exercise reflected NATO’s decision-making process and allowed participants to distinguish themselves through intense debates, while encouraging networking and the development of essential skills for future leaders, including critical thinking, persuasion, and public speaking.
During the conference, both the invited speakers and the students made a promise: political decision-makers pledged to support students in their professional development so they can fully realize their potential, while the young participants pledged to proudly represent national interests whenever given the opportunity.
Another moment of special significance was the moment of silence held in memory of the victims of ongoing military conflicts. The young participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and democratic principles at all times.
The SSWP Forum illustrates the importance of involving young people passionate about security studies, geopolitics, diplomacy, and international relations in constructive dialogue with experts in the field. It also highlights the role of international cooperation and the promotion of NATO values. We extend our sincere gratitude to the partners who supported this project: American Councils for International Education, the U.S. Embassy in Romania, the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Bucharest, Kennedy Academy, and Eucivitas.
This event is a follow-up project under the aegis of Kennedy Academy. The views expressed during the event do not represent the official position of the U.S. Embassy in Romania or American Councils for International Education.