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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 19–21 September 2025?

We are seeking young professionals who are passionate about European defence and security to bring fresh perspectives to Helsinki Security Forum 2025. This opportunity offers a platform for individuals under 30 with relevant backgrounds to contribute to key security discussions. Delegates also encouraged 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 HSF 2025, the applicants are required to submit an essay focusing on a relevant security or 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 themes of Helsinki Security Forum 2025 – The Hour of Europe. The essays of the selected Youth Delegates are to be published as HSF Insights on the HSF website.

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:

• A suitable profile: under 30 years of age with relevant academic or professional experience in security, defence, international relations, or related fields.
• A completed application form.
• An essay on a relevant security or defence topic (700–1000 words).
• A commitment to share their HSF experience and key takeaways on social media.

Please note that while the youth delegate program is open for all nationalities, applicants should clarify their visa related issues independently to ensure their ability to travel to Finland. Given the timeline of the application period and the event, it’s not possible to obtain a visa via HSF.

Apply to HSF Youth Delegate Programme here.

Application deadline is on Tuesday 26 of August. For more information, please contact hsf@fiia.fi