Young Security Conference of Europe takes place in Berlin for the first time
The Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe and the non-profit Hertie Foundation are launching a new project on security policy education. From February 27 to 28, 2025, around 200 young people from all over Europe will come together for the first Young European Security Conference, taking place at Urania Berlin. In addition to geographical focal points, topics such as technology, the environment, transatlantic relations, disinformation, democracy and resilience will be discussed. Guests include experts from academia, politics and civil society as well as trainers from the Schwarzkopf Foundation's youth networks and students from the Hertie School. The project will run until 2027 and will also include various educational activities between the three conferences.
At a time when international conflicts and security policy issues become increasingly relevant, the project offers young participants an opportunity to engage with various aspects of security policy. Between panel discussions and interactive debate formats, the participants are divided into working groups and develop proposals and demands on their topics. The highlight of the conference is a festive closing discussion in Berlin’s Red City Hall, where young participants present the results of their working groups and discuss them with high-ranking guests.
Tomáš Sacher, Managing Director of the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe, is convinced: “The perspectives of young people on security policy are often not taken seriously enough. However, skills development and active participation in this area are crucial for strengthening democracy and cohesion in Germany, Europe and beyond.”
Annette Schavan, Chairwoman of the Board of the Hertie Foundation, emphasises: “With this international conference, we want to qualify young people for a better understanding of the security policy situation in Europe and at the same time encourage them to actively participate in the discourse and to act as experts and multipliers in their environment.”
The Schwarzkopf Foundation’s youth networks – the European Youth Parliament and Understanding Europe – will continue to address security policy issues in Europe-wide events and the development of educational materials. These aim for creating broad, accessible and sustainable educational opportunities on security throughout Europe.
More information on the project and impressions from the 2025 conference can be found here.