MoNYS 2014 brought a fresh note to the chain of simulations by taking place for the first time in a new location – Podgorica, Montenegro, between the 1st and 7th of December. As NATO Summit took place in Wales (September 2014), MoNYS organizers have decided to have the simulation after the real summit. The location was also strategically chosen, as Montenegro is very likely to be on the agenda concerning NATO’s future enlargement.

This time, the Summit was focused on the importance of NATO’s close relations with its Allies and Partners, while joining their efforts in achieving the main transatlantic objectives. The participants had the chance to engage in interactive debates based on the topic that defined the third Summit edition: Collective Security – NATO towards Transatlantic Peace and Stability. MoNYS offered to its participants an amazing 7-day diplomatic experience and this edition succeeded to meet the high level of expectations.

A group of 160 participants summing 51 nationalities gathered at the Old Building of the Government of Montenegro, to inaugurate the third annual Model NATO Youth Summit. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from all over Europe that stressed the importance for students and young professionals to participate in summits like MoNYS, in order to broaden their views and understanding of decision-making processes and public diplomacy.

Fifteen delegates were selected through an essay contest on the topic: “Changing Tunes for NATO Public Diplomacy. Roles and purposes in a complex political arena of the 21st century” to join Mr. Whiteside (ASG for NATO Public Diplomacy) for a dinner consultation. Participants were honored to meet with Mr. Whiteside on a more personal level and to hear about NATO branding and different target audiences as well as NATO values and current global challenges.

MoNYS participants have been exposed to a realistic schedule all week – which is very similar to NATO’s. Each day of the agenda has been fully utilized, some days beginning as early at 6:00 a.m. and continuing with sessions ending at midnight. Participants continued the event with Crisis Management Scenarios followed by ongoing simulations. The practical side of the theory learned during studies is emphasized, given the opportunity of deepening the knowledge in international bodies and certain foreign countries’ position, as well as the general understanding of the global challenges. Students and young professionals managed to boost their public speaking skills, and cope with time pressure, since the speaking time was limited.

Speakers:

  • Ted Whiteside, ASG for NATO Public Diplomacy,
  • Nebojsa Kaludjerovic, Chief of NATO Office in the Government of Montenegro,
  • Bojan Šarkić, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro,
  • Davor Bozinovic, Member of the Croatian Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly,
  • Vladimir Gasparič, Ambassador of Slovenia, NATO focal point in Montenegro,
  • Radu Magdin, Member of the NATO Emerging Leaders Working Group,
  • Silviu Rogobete, West University of Timisoara,
  • Sotiris Yanakakis, Istanbul Aydin University,
  • Serge Stroobants, Royal Military Academy of Belgium,
  • Krisztian Posa, Ambassador of Hungary to Montenegro.

Sponsors:

NATO PDD, Atlantic Community, Visegrad Group, Public Policy Institute, Best Western Premier Hotel Montenegro, Montenegro Airlines, Red Bull.