Welcome
Today’s generation of Youth is the largest the world has ever known. Recognizing the critical role of future generations in countering disinformation, NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and the International Staff Public Diplomacy Division invite students from across the Euro-Atlantic area and NATO partner nations to participate in the “NATO Student Challenge 2025.”
This challenge aims to stimulate students to explore innovative solutions for strengthening societal resilience, combating cognitive warfare, and ensuring NATO’s relevance for future generations.
Engaging youth in initiatives like this challenge is critical to equipping them with the tools to navigate the information environment, fostering trust in democratic institutions, and ensuring NATO remains a cornerstone of collective security for future generations.
The organizers are inviting eligible students to record their answer to the following question:
”How can NATO empower younger generations to build resilience against hostile information, counter information threats effectively and ensure the Alliance’s relevance for future generations?”
Shortlisted participants will be asked to develop a brief policy paper elaborating on their proposal. The best three candidates will be invited to Brussels and/or The Hague in June 2025 to present and discuss their ideas with NATO senior leaders.
The challenge will open on 20 January 2025.
The deadline for video submissions is 09 March 2025.
Presentation of winners in Belgium/ The Netherlands between 23-27 June 2025.
All active undergraduate or postgraduate students who are citizens of Allied or NATO partner nations and
who are currently enrolled in academic programs in Allied or partner nations are eligible to apply. Proof of enrollment will be requested at a later stage.
Participating students will submit their recorded answers through the “Award Force” platform.
Students will access the “Award Force” link to register and submit their videos.
Each video should be no longer than three minutes.
Answers can be recorded in either English or French.
A panel consisting of staff members from ACT and other NATO entities will evaluate all video
submissions after the deadline.
The panel will evaluate content creativity and originality, audio/visual quality, presentation, and
relevance.
Shortlisted students will be asked to develop a short policy paper elaborating on their proposal.
Winners will be invited to Brussels/The Hague in June 2025 to discuss their proposals with
NATO senior leadership.
Travel arrangements and other associated costs will be covered by ACT.
For any questions, please reach out to hqsact.strategicissuesengagements@nato.int.
