The Deadline for Applications is Monday, 1 November 2021
The Center for International and European Studies (CIES) plans to organize the 8th Greek-Turkish Young Leaders Symposium (GTYLS) on Security in partnership with the Navarino Network, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Turkey Office, and NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division on 24-27 November 2021 in Athens.
The 8th GTYLS aims to enhance knowledge of the participants on security issues focusing on the thematic cluster of “NATO Unites”. The concept includes how NATO can bring Greeks and Turks together to confront challenges to the rules-based international order in defense of the common values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. This is particularly necessary when the relations between the two allies are increasingly strained while the common challenges multiply. The focus will be in particular in highlighting the NATO 2030 agenda with its three key priorities and the results of the June 2021 NATO Summit. The Symposium thus provides a forum for dialogue, collaboration and networking for young Greeks and Turks interested and involved in enhancing their respective country’s role in the Alliance, the cooperation between the two countries, and the transatlantic bond.
The Greek-Turkish Young Leaders Symposium (GTYLS) on Security will include the participation of some 15 Greek and 15 Turkish International Relations and related specialists (undergraduate and MA students, PhD candidates, young PhD scholars, and professionals), aged between 20 and around 40 years old, and Greek and Turkish experts that will act as speakers and trainers. Sessions will include an overview of “The State of Greek-Turkish Relations within the NATO Context” while more specialized sessions will be held on The June 2021 Summit and Agenda 2030; Confronting Disinformation and Enhancing Societal Resilience; Promoting the Values of Freedom, Democracy, and the Rule of Law; The Security Impact of Climate Change (migration, food and water insecurity, resource scarcity); Understanding the Wider Security Context (Russia, China, Middle East); Defending Against Terrorism and Threats in the Hybrid and Cyber Realms.
These sessions will be supported by Focus Group workshops led by an experienced facilitator where participants will work in mixed groups to discuss and analyze the thematic sessions, with the objective of presenting their policy proposals from the perspective of enhancing the input and interest of young leaders from both countries in supporting and promoting the values of the Atlantic Alliance in their countries. These outputs will be published as a joint Policy Report which will incorporate the work and ideas emanating from the Symposium, thereby helping shape the agenda of future editions of the Symposium.
Participants are expected to meet the criteria listed below:
- Specialists in International Relations and other relevant disciplines (undergraduate and MA students, PhD candidates, young PhD scholars, and professionals)
- 20-40 years of age or thereabouts.
- An interest in the areas of international relations, foreign policy, security, political economy, civil society engagement, NATO, and Greek-Turkish relations.
- Willing to establish networks and dialogue between Greece and Turkey.
- Fluent spoken and written English.
Please note: The organizers will cover round trip travel from Istanbul to Athens (for the Turkish participants); accommodation in Athens for the duration of the Symposium (3 nights including breakfast for all non-Athens based participants); lunch for 3 days; and two dinners. Please note that the Symposium is open to participants from all parts of Turkey and Greece, and they are especially encouraged to apply.
The CIES may provide on a need basis a small travel stipend for those attending the Symposium from elsewhere in Greece.
Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for their visa, health insurance coverage, and Covid19 related entry requirements for the entire duration of their trip/stay.
Please note that the language of the Symposium is English.
You may see the application form here.
You may see the generic program here.
In order to apply, please fill in the application form by Monday, 1 November 2021.