FUTURESEC YOUTH SUMMIT 2023: Fostering Transatlantic Cooperation in Security and Innovation
Summit Synopsis:
· Date and Location: November 27-28, 2023, in Ottawa, Canada.
· Organizers: Collaboratively organized by the Policy Insights Forum (PIF), NATO Headquarters, YATA International, Carleton University (NPSIA), and Amazon Web Services (AWS)
· Summit Focus: The Summit aims to highlight NATO's expanded role and promote cooperation in fields like international security, technology, cybersecurity, AI, and tech ethics
· Event Format: A dynamic mix of keynote speeches, live interactions with NATO HQ, panel discussions, and roundtables.
· Participating Universities: Carleton, uOttawa, Laval, Montréal, Québec, Bishop’s, RMC and Queens
· Speakers: A confluence of NATO, government, academia, and industry experts
Summit Overview:
This Summit, organized in collaboration with the Policy Insights Forum (PIF), NATO Headquarters, YATA International, Carleton University (NPSIA), and Amazon Web Services (AWS), is scheduled for November 27-28, 2023, in Ottawa, Canada. The FutureSec 2023 Youth Summit’s goals are to highlight NATO's expanded role and foster cooperation in fields like international security, technology, cybersecurity, AI, and tech ethics. It will feature a mix of keynote speeches, Live interactions with NATO HQ, panel discussions, and roundtables, bringing together NATO, government, academia, and industry experts.
Executive Summary
The FutureSec 2023 Youth Summit, held on November 27-28, 2023, in Ottawa,Canada, was a critical milestone in fostering transatlantic youth cooperation and engagement in security and innovation. Jointly organized by the Policy InsightsForum (PIF), NATO Headquarters, YATA International, the Norman Paterson SchoolOf International Affairs at Carleton University (NPSIA), and Amazon WebServices (AWS), the Summit focused on expanding NATO's mandate and promoting collaboration in international security, technology, cybersecurity, AI, and tech ethics. The event featured keynote speeches, live interactions with NATOHQ, and panel and roundtable discussions with a blend of speakers from NATO, government, academia, and industry.
Day 1 Academic Program - Carleton University
The first day, hosted at Carleton University, began with the participants’ registration and a networking breakfast, followed by an opening ceremony. Keynote speeches and discussions covered varied topics related to youth participation in policy development, international security, and technological advancements.
Key Day 1 highlights included:
- A live address from NATO HQ focusing on security and opportunities for young professionals.
- A discussion on "Emerging Threats and Technological Preparedness" led by Jeffrey Reynolds (NATO ACT), emphasizing the importance of remaining technologically ahead to counteract evolving threats.
- Roundtable dialogues on cybersecurity, AI, and security strategies, offering insights for students and professionals exploring these fields.
Day 2 Industry Program - AWS Downtown Ottawa Office
The second day, hosted at AWS's office, began with a recap of Day 1 and an introduction of key Day 2 sessions. As a whole, Day 2 focused on the industry's role in global security and technological advancement.
Key Day 2 highlights included:
- Interactive sessions with NATO officials and addresses to Canadian young professionals, graduates and students, emphasizing Canada's role in the global security framework amid unprecedented technological changes.
- A presentation on "Policy Impact on Tech Ventures", highlighting the relationship between policy development and technological entrepreneurship.
- An AWS-led roundtable discussion on dual-use cloud technologies and their practical application at NATO, along with insights into the technological integration in security strategies.
Following words on career guidance and youth opportunities by Goran Pesic and Louis E. Romet, the FutureSec 2023 Youth Summit ended with final remarks by Aliénor Peyrefitte and an end-of-event networking session.
Conclusion
The FutureSec 2023 Youth Summit successfully brought together experts, young professionals, graduates and students from various fields to discuss and collaborate on critical issues at the intersection of technology and security and its relationship to NATO industry priorities, including NATO DIANA. The event provided a platform for learning and networking and emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping future policies and strategies in international security and technology.
