GLOBSEC ‘24: NATO’s Southern neighbourhood panel
The Diplomat’s Cabinet @ 2024 GLOBSEC FORUM
In 2024, The Diplomat’s Cabinet had the honour of participating in GLOBSEC, one of Europe’s most prominent forums for foreign policy and security, held in Prague.
As part of the agenda, The Diplomat’s Cabinet was invited to moderate a closed-door debate featuring Ana Isabel Xavier, Portugal’s Secretary of State for National Defense, and Dr. Maha Yahya, Director of the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center. The discussion focused on the security dynamics of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and NATO’s southern neighbourhood — regions too often sidelined in broader strategic debates, despite their increasing geopolitical relevance.
This session highlighted the complexity of the South’s security environment, the shifting role of multilateral institutions, and the need to reassess global attention and resources in light of emerging threats and long-standing challenges across southern geographies, which is part of NATO’s 360 Agenda.
Beyond the official programme, GLOBSEC offered an opportunity to engage with an extraordinary array of participants — from heads of state and military strategists to journalists, civil society leaders, and human rights advocates. The exchanges were a testament to the value of diverse perspectives in shaping international discourse, particularly when it comes to Ukraine’s incredible endurance since 2022.
The Diplomat’s Cabinet was also proud to be part of the GLOBSEC Young Leaders programme, joining a global network of thinkers and doers committed to advancing inclusive, strategic conversations on peace and security. Special recognition goes to peers in this community, whose insights and energy continue to inspire collaborative engagement.
Participation in GLOBSEC 2024 reaffirmed The Diplomat’s Cabinet’s commitment to spotlighting the Southern neighbourhood within international policy circles. As global attention shifts across regions, it remains essential to ensure that southern voices and priorities are not only heard but placed at the centre of security dialogue.