Miguel Soares in the 2024 Model NATO Youth Summit 

In July, our student Miguel Soares participated in the 2024 Model NATO Youth Summit, appointed by the Portuguese Ambassador to represent Portugal. The objective of the model summit was to produce a declaration covering the same key NATO agenda topics as the current summit (transatlantic unity, deterrence and defense, Ukraine, burden sharing, open door policy, and partnerships). Miguel and the other representatives were tasked with addressing these topics from the youth perspective of their respective countries. Miguel developed Portugal’s youth perspective based on research and his personal experience in Portugal, particularly from his time studying in Lisbon this past spring alongside many politically active university students. The model summit took place at George Washington’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where each country introduced their ideas, and then they discussed and negotiated to reach the final declaration. Miguel Soares enjoyed this experience immensely, as he learned more about NATO, Portugal’s role in the alliance, and the many different perspectives from the 31 other countries in NATO.