From 11 to 14 November 2024, the Younger Generation Leaders Network (YGLN) convened its annual gathering in Vienna, hosting a dynamic group of 35 participants from across Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Europe, and North America. This year’s agenda was built around the four working groups within the YGLN, on Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economy. The network members were the key drivers of the gathering, leading conversations on the most pressing global issues, with a focus on challenges such as nuclear energy security, the role of artificial intelligence in military systems, and the future of the war in Ukraine.
The gathering opened with a reflective discussion on the tenth anniversary of the YGLN, emphasising the network’s growth to 150 members and its integral role in bridging divides across the Euro-Atlantic region. Former UK Defence Secretary, Lord Des Browne, one of the YGLN’s founders, recounted the origins of the network and its evolution into a vital platform for dialogue among professionals from diverse fields, including diplomacy, nuclear non-proliferation, defence, and economics.
The first session, led by the Diplomacy working group, explored the future of the war in Ukraine, employing the Delphi Method to forecast possible scenarios by 2025. The conversation underscored the complexities of the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion and the difficulty of finding a resolution. Participants considered scenarios ranging from military breakthroughs to negotiated settlements and the continuation of a prolonged war of attrition. The consensus gravitated toward the latter, reflecting a shared understanding of the entrenched positions on both sides and the external factors sustaining the war. Broader geopolitical factors, including Western military aid, Russia’s domestic politics, and the influence of the U.S. presidential election, were seen as pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the war.
The agenda then turned to the evolving role of information in international affairs, emphasising its potential as a unifying force across the spheres of diplomacy, military, and economics. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, participants explored how information shapes perceptions, influences decision-making, and fosters collaboration—or, conversely, exacerbates divisions. Discussions addressed the increasing sophistication of disinformation, including AI-generated content, and the challenges it poses to public trust and international stability. The potential of strategic communication to counter these trends was a focal point, with calls for greater investment in critical thinking, fact-checking, and media literacy.
Nuclear energy and economic security featured prominently on the agenda, particularly in the context of Europe’s dependence on Russian-enriched uranium. As the global demand for nuclear energy grows, discussions focused on the risks of relying on a single dominant supplier and the challenges of diversifying supply chains. Participants, guided by the Economy working group members, examined the strategic implications of Russia’s control over nearly half of the world’s enrichment capacity, alongside the potential for small modular reactors to provide more accessible and flexible energy solutions. The conversation underscored the urgency of developing resilient and sustainable energy systems, with a focus on fostering collaboration among like-minded nations to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance energy independence.
The gathering also addressed the intersection of artificial intelligence and military systems, a theme that resonated strongly given its implications for the future of warfare. Discussions explored the ethical, legal, and strategic challenges posed by AI-driven technologies, from autonomous drones to decision-making algorithms. Participants considered how these technologies could improve precision and reduce risks to human life while raising concerns about accountability, biases, and the potential for unintended escalation. The session called for robust international frameworks to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI in military contexts, emphasising the need for transparency, oversight, and adherence to humanitarian principles.
Later that day, YGLN participants were invited to a briefing with the representatives of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations in Vienna. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to explore Germany’s active role in fostering international security and multilateral cooperation. Hosted by Ambassador Rüdiger Bohn, the discussion centred on Germany’s role in IAEA and CTBTO activities. Furthermore, Germany’s leadership within the EU and its contributions to NATO’s strategic priorities were highlighted, particularly its ongoing support for Ukraine. Ambassador Bohn elaborated on Germany’s approach to balancing military aid with diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation while emphasising the need for long-term planning in rebuilding Ukrainian infrastructure and governance. The meeting also touched upon Germany’s advocacy for disarmament and arms control, where it has consistently championed initiatives to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and reduce the risks associated with nuclear modernisation.
The agenda was further enriched by visits to key international institutions in Vienna, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These visits offered participants a first-hand look at the mechanisms underpinning global efforts to monitor and prevent nuclear proliferation. At the CTBTO, participants gained insight into the technical sophistication of the International Monitoring System, which detects nuclear explosions and serves as a critical tool in verifying compliance with the CTBT.
Similarly, the briefing at the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre highlighted the agency’s role in coordinating responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies, particularly in conflict zones. These engagements underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing nuclear risks and promoting safety and security in an increasingly complex global environment.
The gathering also included a visit to the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). The discussions were led by VCDNP’s Senior Fellow Dr Nikolai Sokov and Senior Research Associate Noah Mayhew and focused on Russia’s nuclear posture and its integration into military doctrine, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine, as well as on the work of the IAEA, including complexities of safeguarding nuclear materials and the IAEA’s responsibility in upholding safety standards under challenging circumstances.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the role of diplomacy in advancing disarmament and arms control. Participants engaged with ELN Senior Network member Ambassador Alexander Kmentt, Director for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation at the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Ambassador Kmentt provided insights into Austria’s longstanding commitment to nuclear disarmament and its efforts to strengthen international norms against the use and proliferation of nuclear weapons. This dialogue illuminated the challenges of advancing disarmament in a geopolitical climate marked by rising tensions and renewed arms races.
The annual gathering concluded with a reception hosted at the office of the Open Nuclear Network (ONN), providing participants with an informal yet insightful platform to reflect on the discussions and outcomes of the event with colleagues from the ONN.
This year’s Annual Gathering demonstrated the crucial role of YGLN in equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools, networks, and knowledge to navigate the complexities of international affairs. By providing a space for open and informed dialogue, the gathering contributed to a deeper understanding of the interconnected challenges facing the global community. It also reinforced the network’s mission to promote collaboration and understanding, even in the face of division and adversity. As the world continues to grapple with uncertainty, the YGLN remains committed to fostering the leadership and innovation needed to build a more secure, stable, and cooperative future.
The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELN’s aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europe’s capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security policy challenges of our time.
Image credit: YGLN members
