About the Thinkathon
The Balkan Youth Thinkathon is organized by the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) and the Department of Politics and European Studies at the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) in cooperation with NATO Public Diplomacy Division. The aim of this unique experience is to promote a discussion about NATO amongst the youth in the Balkans region.
25 university students from across the region will undergo an intense online training program, where they will learn more about:
- NATO, its priorities and current efforts to engage young audiences.
- Public diplomacy and the battle to win the hearts and minds of people.
- The politics, public opinions and foreign policy orientation of audiences in the Balkans.
- The creative use of communication strategies to raise awareness about social causes and the public’s good.
By introducing 25 participants from across the region to the issues and efforts and upskilling them both with theoretical and practical knowledge, we will engage and equip the youth from the Western Balkans and Bulgaria to deliver their own public awareness communications strategies under the mentorship and stewardship of public diplomacy and creative experts.
The winning team will have the opportunity to travel to Brussels and present their recommendations to NATO representatives.
