Published 03/05/2024 - The students from Georgia Tech represented the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the 2024 conference. As part of the simulation, they were invited for a briefing at the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The briefing was hosted by André van Wiggen, the head of political affairs for the embassy. This consisted of an in-depth presentation of NATO’s operations and missions, Dutch contributions to the alliance, and the history of the alliance from the perspective of a founding member. All of the students were able to ask the representative questions about their respective committee’s agenda points. They received responses unique to the Netherlands perspective which proved to be incredibly beneficial during the simulation. It was an honor to be hosted by the embassy and to learn of the remarkable Dutch contributions to the alliance.

The International Model NATO is a simulation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, complemented with briefings at embassies of NATO member states and rigorous studying in preparation of the conference by the students. Through simulation, participants understand the process of decision-making and building consensus that shapes NATO’s policies and the organization’s collective security. Hosted by Howard University, the Model is held in Washington D.C. over four days. Each participating university represents a NATO member state within six committees: North Atlantic Council, Military, Political, Nuclear Planning Group, Emerging Security Challenges, and Partnerships and Cooperative Security.