From 26-29 June, ONN’s Director Andreas Persbo, Regional Issues Strategist Veronika Bedenko, and Research Consultant Valeriia Hesse, attended the annual meeting of the Younger Generation Leadership Network (YGLN) in Vienna, Austria.
From 26-29 June, ONN’s Director Andreas Persbo, Regional Issues Strategist Veronika Bedenko, and Research Consultant Valeriia Hesse, attended the annual meeting of the Younger Generation Leadership Network (YGLN) in Vienna, Austria. The event provided a platform for young leaders to explore nuclear and global security issues and foster meaningful collaborations. Over the course of four days, the participants engaged in a series of activities and discussions with key organizations and diplomatic missions in Vienna.
One of the highlights of the event was a series of off-the-record discussions held among the participants during the conference part of the annual meeting. The participants exchanged ideas, perspectives, and strategies to address emerging security challenges and enhance cooperation among Euro-Atlantic nations. These discussions facilitated a deeper understanding of the current landscape.
During the conference, Veronika Bedenko chaired a panel discussion on the potential wildcards for the upcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review cycle. Later that day, Andreas Persbo moderated a session dedicated to exploring safe spaces for academic and other forms of collaboration between the Ukrainian and Russian diaspora. This session aimed to foster understanding and bridge gaps between communities that have historical and cultural ties, despite political tensions. Valeriia Hesse contributed to the session as a speaker, sharing her expertise and personal experiences.
ONN also had the honour of hosting a casual reception at the office for the YGLN participants and senior members of the European Leadership Network (ELN) team. This gathering provided an informal setting for networking, exchanging ideas, and building connections among the attendees.
The annual meeting of the Younger Generation Leadership Network in Vienna proved to be a remarkable event, bringing together young leaders, experts, and organizations passionate about nuclear non-proliferation and global security. Events like these serve as a catalyst for positive change and inspire the younger generation to actively contribute to shaping a safer and more secure future for all.