W&M Co-Hosts NATO Youth Summit

Disinformation’s impact on the future of democracy, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and artificial intelligence were recurring themes at the 2023 NATO Youth Summit on June 5, co-hosted by William & Mary and NATO in Brussels and Washington, D.C.

Young people and others from Europe, North America and around the world participated both in person and remotely in the free, transatlantic conversation, titled “NextGen Freedom & Security.”

Democracy is one of the cornerstone initiatives in W&M’s Vision 2026 strategic plan and was at the forefront of the dialogue. Speakers and panelists took questions from attendees and shared insights offering their varied expertise on topics such as climate change, national defense and impacts of the latest technologies.

“Facts, true things, verifiable data are public goods that we need in an age of disinformation and manipulation of information to be completely committed to,” said President Katherine Rowe. “That’s what great universities do.”

Participants included a number of W&M alumni who are leaders in the areas discussed throughout the summit. To read more, visit magazine.wm.edu/nato2023.