Invitation to Apply: 2021 Marshall Center Alumni Security Forum, 25-27 September, Ohrid

All alumni from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia have been sent an email invitation to apply for participation in the 2021 Ohrid Alumni Security Forum. Applications will be accepted until August 6.

The Marshall Center North Macedonia Alumni Association, in partnership with the Marshall Center Alumni Programs Department, the NATO Defense College and the NATO Public Diplomacy Division will host a “Marshall Center Ohrid Alumni Security Forum: Western Balkans after the Coronavirus Crisis – Euroatlantic Perspectives” in Ohrid, North Macedonia on September 25-27, 2021.  This gathering of alumni is designed to promote a strong and active Marshall Center alumni network within Southeast Europe by connecting alumni from 8 countries and sharing their ideas and experiences.

The 2021 Ohrid Alumni Security Forum will consider the regional security landscape in the Western Balkans in the broader context of the region’s Euroatlantic integration efforts, looking ahead beyond the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from the national and regional dimension of countering transnational security threats, the Forum will outline the European and Euroatlantic aspects of the security risks and threats. Moreover, it will emphasize the future prospects of the Western Balkan countries with regard to membership into the Euroatlantic structures. Panels will cover topics including: a) great power competition in the region, b) NATO and emerging threats from the southern flank of Europe, c) resilient cyber defense, d) enhancing civil protection, e) fighting disinformation in the region, and f) radicalization and returning foreign fighters.

We are asking interested participants to apply to attend via an online application. In particular, we are seeking alumni who have relevant experience, expertise, and interest in the topic, who are committed to building an integrated and active regional alumni network, and who are motivated to share ideas and return home to make these ideas into concrete proposals for Marshall Center alumni activities. Alumni who would like to make a presentation on one of the panels should indicate their proposal in their application.

Participation will be limited to alumni from the region who have the prior permission of their supervisor. Marshall Center Alumni Programs will evaluate all proposals and will choose 4 individuals from each country who will then be issued invitations to make the trip to Ohrid.  If you are selected, the Marshall Center will arrange and fund your travel, lodging, and meals for the visit.

If you are interested, you should apply online via the following link by August 6 at 5PM at the latest: APPLICATION <https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=162685903464>  (https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=162685903464). 

Notification of selection will be made within several weeks of that date.

Thank you for your continued support of the Marshall Center as alumni, and we look forward to receiving your application and working together to build a strong and vibrant Marshall Center alumni network in Southeast Europe.

Please contact mcalumni@marshallcenter.org <mailto:mcalumni@marshallcenter.org>  with any questions