Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stressed the important contributions young people make to NATO in an address to the Atlantic Forum's online Spring Conference on Friday (9 April 2021). Young professionals, he said, play a crucial role in shaping NATO's future, and in standing up for the Alliance's values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
He highlighted recent efforts to involve youth in NATO's work, including through the Alliance's first-ever Youth Summit, the participation of young professionals in developing the NATO 2030 initiative, and NATO's new Young Professionals Programme.
Mr. Geoană also highlighted the importance of unity and a strong transatlantic bond in building more resilient societies, and maintaining NATO's technological edge. He stressed that we must always look to the future, to maintain the security of the one billion people who live in NATO countries.
