NATO Youth Summit Challenge 2025 (Funded to Budva, Montenegro): (Deadline 31 March 2025)

Young leaders worldwide will be responsible for tackling the complex challenges of the future—challenges that demand bold, innovative, and forward-thinking leadership. The NATO Youth Summit challenge invites aspiring leaders aged 18-35 to share their vision for shaping a safer and more secure future.

This is your opportunity to showcase your insights into future security challenges, highlight the critical role of leadership in addressing them, and secure your place at the 2025 NATO Youth Summit, taking place on April 25-26, 2025, in Budva, Montenegro.

Challenge Question

• What does a leader of the future look like? What values, skills, and qualities will be essential to navigate an evolving global landscape? What concrete actions should they take to build a safer and more stable world?

Benefits of NATO Youth Summit

• The most compelling submissions will receive an exclusive invitation, with travel and accommodation fully covered, along with the opportunity to present their ideas on stage. Those not selected for a fully funded seat, will be considered for a self-funded seat in the audience.

Eligibility for NATO Youth Summit

• Individuals aged 18 to 35 from all NATO member and partner countries.
• Entries must be original and in English.

Submission Guidelines:

Participants can respond to the challenge creatively using one of the following formats:

• Video: 16:9 or 9:16 format, mp4, max. 3 minutes.
• Visual or Infographic: Photo, poster, collage, mood board, or similar art forms (png, jpg, or pdf) accompanied by a short description of your entry (max. 200 words).
• Policy Brief: Max. 2 pages; font: Calibri, size: 11, spacing: 1.5.
• Stage Presentation Consideration: Participants who wish to be considered for presenting their ideas on stage will be invited to submit an additional video pitching their idea.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:

• Creativity – Originality and a fresh approach to the theme, with ideas that go beyond conventional thinking.
• Relevance to the Topic – How clearly the submission aligns with the given theme and directly addresses the challenge question.
• Feasibility of Proposed Ideas – The practicality and applicability of the proposed ideas, demonstrating a strong understanding of real-world security challenges.
• Clarity of Expression and Argumentation – The logical structure, coherence, and persuasiveness of the response.