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Are you a young professional interested in foreign and security policy? Would you be interested in taking part in Helsinki Security Forum (HSF), a flagship event of foreign and security policy in Helsinki, Finland on 27–29 September 2024?

We are seeking young professionals from Finland and NATO partner countries who are passionate about European defence and security to bring fresh perspectives to the Helsinki Security Forum 2024. This opportunity provides a platform for individuals under 30 to contribute to key security discussions. We also encourage the delegates to share their HSF experiences and key takeaways on social media, contributing to broader discussions on European defence and security.

As part of your application for the HSF 2024, the applicants are required to submit an essay focusing on a relevant security on defence issue. The essay should highlight your own perspectives on key issues related to European security, foreign and defence policy and/or align with the HSF 2024 theme: Towards a Total Defence of Europe – From Apathy to Action. The essays of Youth Delegates are to be published as HSF Insights on the HSF website.

This initiative, funded by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division (PDD), seeks to promote engagement with security and defence issues among younger audiences. We are particularly seeking participants from NATO partner countries, as we aim to involve voices from outside the NATO member states to broaden perspectives and foster diverse discussions.

Selected participants will:

• Attend Helsinki Security Forum, a high-level event of foreign and security policy, to discuss the most pressing security issues of our region.
• Have an essay published as an HSF Insight on the forum’s website.
• Have their HSF-related travel and accommodation expenses covered.

Candidates will be selected based on:

• Suitable profile (nationality, age, relevant experience).
• A completed application form.
• An essay submission on a relevant security or defence topic.  The length of the text should be 700–1000 words.
• A commitment to share their experiences on social media.

Apply to HSF Youth Delegate Programme here.

Application deadline is on Sunday 22 September. For more information, please contact hsf@fiia.fi