Munich Security Conference

“Everyone should be at the table—women, youth, all voices.” This conviction shapes Salmin Eljawhari’s approach to policy negotiations, especially in the context of peace and conflict. During the Libyan revolution, she volunteered tirelessly, campaigning for civic education and democratic participation. From journalism to #InternationalOrganizations, Salmin's path was shaped by a desire to make a change, even if just a small one. Today, she serves as a Libyan diplomat at the embassy in London. Salmin is part of the 2023 cohort of the Munich Young Leaders Program (MYL), a joint initiative we launched together with the Körber-Stiftung IP, offering emerging decision-makers a platform to share perspectives on foreign and security policy and build strong international networks. At our most recent MYL annual meeting in Lisbon, we had the chance to speak with Salmin about her work. Salmin balances professional responsibilities with personal sacrifices, navigating challenges that come with breaking traditional expectations. But instead of stepping back, she leaned in. “They are not used to seeing a woman in this position. That’s the main reason for me to continue,” she notes. Salmin hopes her work will pave the way for #FutureGenerations—to grow up in a society where women’s voices in high diplomatic positions are not the exception, but the norm. Looking ahead, Salmin hopes for a world with less conflict and a calmer, more peaceful Libya, one that realizes its full potential. “Hopefully, the worst part was the past,” she adds.   Her #CareerAdvice to others in #diplomacy? Focus on #progress, not comparison. “If you keep thinking about what others have achieved, you’ll end up achieving nothing yourself. If you look back just one year and see you’ve made progress—that’s success.”   Find more details about our #MSC_MYL here: https://lnkd.in/d2Ej5e4

Natia Seskuria's path into security and defense was shaped especially by her lived experience of the Russian-Georgian war in 2008. “Politics was always part of our daily lives,” she recalls. The war sparked her interest in conflict strategies and the resilience of small states facing hostile environments. Today, as an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London and Founder of the Regional Institute for Security Studies in Tbilisi, Georgia, she combines academic depth with hands-on experience in #GlobalAffairs. Natia is part of the Munich Young Leaders Program (MYL), a joint initiative we launched together with the Körber-Stiftung IP, offering emerging decision-makers a platform to share perspectives on foreign and security policy, and build strong international networks. During our most recent MYL annual meeting in Lisbon, we had the opportunity to speak with Natia about her journey. From a young age, Natia was determined to make her #CareerChoice in international relations and security. As a young woman from Eastern Europe entering a male-dominated field, she faced challenges but never let them define her. "Challenges didn't stress me out as much as they motivated me. I loved the process of proving things to myself. The most important thing is to work hard and build competence—because competence becomes confidence," she remarks.   Through her work, Natia aims to open doors for young people, especially women, who are interested in international security but often face limited prospects. Her #CareerAdvice? Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity—create it. “And never shy away from asking for advice or mentorship.”   Further details about our #MSC_MYL can be found here: https://lnkd.in/d2Ej5e4

Reality vs. #Netflix: How close is "The Diplomat" to real-world diplomacy? Spoiler: not very. 🎬 In our new #YouTube video, MSC Chairman and Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger reacts to Season 3 of Netflix’s The Diplomat—offering insights into what the series gets right (and wrong) about real-life #diplomacy. With 40+ years of experience, Ischinger shares personal anecdotes and facts from his years in service, including: 🔹 Whether tailoring skills are essential for ambassadors 🔹 What actually happens to the gift you might bring to Chancellor Merz 🔹 Why choosing diplomacy over a CEO career won’t save you from KPIs (sorry!) 🔹 How not keeping it short can be considered polite 🔹 What discussions to delegate to your assistant once you're at the top 🔹 If strong LinkedIn connections help you score better seats at #MSC2026 🔹 And whether you’ll ever stop packing your suitcase as a diplomat 🎥 Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/e-CgfAV7

"Look, listen, learn." This mantra shapes Chenghao Sun's approach to leadership, which is grounded in observation and openness. As Head of the US-EU Program at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University in Beijing, he is committed to bridging divides between China and the West and strengthening the social foundations of stable bilateral relations. Chenghao is part of the Munich Young Leaders Program (MYL), a platform that we launched together with the Körber-Stiftung IP for emerging decision-makers to share their perspectives in foreign and security policy debates. Through his PhD in International Relations and hands-on experience from multiple internships, Chenghao gained early insight into the power of global exchange—and the persistent gaps in global perception. “China is developing rapidly, yet the world’s understanding of it often lags behind,” he reflects. Looking ahead, he aims to deepen American studies through policy-relevant research. He also seeks to strengthen informal dialogues through track-two diplomacy to stabilize Sino-US relations and help the world better understand China’s foreign policy logic. For Chenghao, empathy is key to breaking down prejudices and preventing miscalculations. He has one simple advice for future leaders: “Learn to put your feet in others’ shoes. International affairs are not a debate competition—the goal isn’t to defeat the other side but to understand them." Further details about our #MSC_MYL can be found here: https://lnkd.in/d2Ej5e4

"Growing up in Albania, a country in transition, I saw firsthand how politics and foreign policy shape opportunities, living standards, and the empowerment of young people." For Megi Fino, these early lessons sparked a lifelong commitment to diplomacy and public service. Today, as Albania's Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, she helps advance her country's EU integration, security, and defense. Her mission: to build bridges between Albania and the world, fostering partnerships that drive social and economic progress.   Megi is part of the Munich Young Leaders Program, a joint initiative we launched together with the Körber-Stiftung IP, which provides emerging decision-makers with a platform for sharing their perspectives on foreign and security policy, and for building strong international networks.   "Over time, performance spoke louder than age or gender,” Megi reflects, looking back on her journey from being underestimated to helping shape Albania’s foreign policy. Her most valuable lesson? "That leadership begins with listening. You need dialogue, empathy, teamwork, and patience—qualities too often overlooked in politics but essential to lasting solutions."   Looking ahead, Megi hopes to help build a more secure, resilient, and integrated Europe—one where the Western Balkans are no longer seen as the periphery but as a full part of the EU project.    Her advice to young professionals: be curious, persistent, and true to your values. “Integrity is your most powerful asset.”   Learn more about the Munich Young Leaders Program here: https://lnkd.in/d2Ej5e4

💼 Suchst du nach einem Job, der dir spannende Einblicke hinter die Kulissen der #MSC2026 bietet? Wir suchen weiterhin Project Assistants im Team Protocol zur Unterstützung der Vorbereitungen für unsere Hauptkonferenz im Februar. Deine Aufgabenbereiche umfassen: 🔹 Protokoll 🔹 Akkreditierung 🔹 Bi- und multilaterale Gesprächsformate 🔹 Motorcade und Transport 🔹 Hotelkoordination 🔗 Mehr über die offene Stelle hier: https://lnkd.in/dbeB2g8m

📣 Nominations are now open for the John McCain Dissertation Award!   Each year, we honor authors of exceptional doctoral dissertations for contributions in the field of political science, history or policy analysis with an emphasis on transatlantic relations—including its security, technological, political, trade and financial, social and cultural dimensions.   Prize recipients are invited to present their research at the Munich Security Conference 2026 and receive up to €10,000 in recognition of their work.   If you know a suitable candidate, submit your nomination by December 8. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d6-TYCQ9

As #Europe navigates a shifting #tech and #security landscape, transatlantic cooperation must adapt to rising competition and critical dependencies. At our Technology Roundtable in #Brussels, leading voices from politics, industry, and academia came together to address these challenges. In two sessions, participants explored how Europe and the US must move beyond a “Us vs. Them” mindset to build a true partnership—especially as China and the UAE rapidly advance in #AI, computing power, and energy access. Discussions pointed to Europe’s strengths in key tech areas, but also highlighted the need to improve market structures to scale innovation. The importance of secure chip access was also part of the conversation, with calls for focused investment to safeguard Europe’s role in the global tech value chain.   🌃 During our Night Cap Session, the conversation turned to space. Discussions emphasized that while space is vital to modern life, it remains highly vulnerable—a single conflict in orbit could have global consequences and render space unusable. Participants also debated the risks of relying on just a few launch providers, arguing that diversification is key to strategic stability.   We will continue to explore these questions in our technology program at #MSC2026.

„Als der Zug im Morgengrauen in Hof einrollte, riefen die Menschen aus den Fenstern: ‚Freiheit, Freiheit!‘ Ich habe dann gemerkt: Ich habe am lautesten gebrüllt.“   Ein Moment, der Wolfgang Ischinger bis heute bewegt: Als junger Diplomat begleitete er 1989 den Sonderzug mit DDR-Flüchtlingen aus der Prager Botschaft – ein Schlüsselerlebnis seiner diplomatischen Laufbahn.   In der neuen Folge von „Missverstehen Sie mich richtig“ spricht unser Vorsitzender über Diplomatie, die Rolle der NATO und aktuelle Konflikte.   🎥 Das ganze Interview gibt es hier: https://lnkd.in/eGVG7An7

🎣 Fishing for Chips: Can Europe Compete in Global Tech Stack? One year ago, the European Commission made “competitiveness” the guiding principle of its policy agenda. Now, as we enter year two of the agenda, the need for Europe to compete in the race for technological leadership and resilience has only become more pronounced.   This week, we return to #Brussels for our MSC Technology Roundtable—bringing together senior leaders from government, tech, and civil society to assess Europe’s position in the global tech race.   We are continuing to build a strong network of #technology stakeholders, facilitate dialogue between key actors, and encourage open, impactful debates on the most pertinent issues in tech and #cybersecurity.   This year’s Roundtable will focus on three strategic areas: 1️⃣ Transatlantic tech diplomacy and cybersecurity cooperation 2️⃣ Semiconductor resilience and strategic autonomy 3️⃣ Europe’s ambitions in the new space race   What is the big elephant in the room that we should not miss?   More about our Roundtable: https://lnkd.in/ev7Tra9m