Secretary General stresses the importance of engaging with the young people for NATO’s future
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg delivered an online keynote speech on “Mapping the New Transatlantic Decade” at the 12th annual Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) Forum on Monday (21 September 2020). The Secretary General highlighted his three priorities for NATO 2030 reflection process, namely keeping NATO strong militarily, making NATO stronger politically, and ensuring a more global approach for NATO. The Secretary General emphasized that NATO 2030 is about the future of the Alliance. He underscored his determination to take the ideas and concerns of the young people into account and the importance of engaging with them to discuss the new challenges that NATO is facing.
Citing NATO’s value as a unique political platform, the Secretary General emphasized that NATO is the only organisation that brings together countries across Europe and North America to discuss security issues of common concern.
Mr. Stoltenberg warned that the military threats that existed before the pandemic have not diminished and stressed the importance of continuing to invest in armed forces, to build stronger and safer societies for all.
The Secretary General pointed out that NATO already has a global approach, but the challenges that we face today require us to go even further. He emphasized the importance of working closely with like-minded countries and organisations to defend NATO’s values in a world of increased global competition.
The annual CEPA Forum, a leading transatlantic security conference, brings together government and business decision-makers, with top security and policy experts where participants debate challenges facing the transatlantic alliance.