Founded in 2002, Carleton Model NATO is an annual student-run and organized conference/simulation hosted by Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs in Ottawa, Canada. The annual event takes place every winter in the nation’s capital.
Save the date! Registration launches this week for this year's Carleton Model NATO Conference. Sponsored in part by NATO's Public Diplomacy Division, the conference will take place from November 24-27, 2022, at the Ottawa Marriott (100 Kent Street).
Carleton Model NATO is a unique, annual, student-run event that brings together undergraduate students from across North America to participate in a realistic simulation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's decision-making processes. Since 2002, delegates have descended upon the National Capital Region to participate in a four-day simulation, assuming the role of NATO member states, while debating contemporary issues relevant to the Alliance. In doing so, delegates obtain a rich and unique understanding of NATO's priorities, challenges, and strategic considerations.
Delegates will additionally have the opportunity to attend Question Period in the House of Commons, engage with local diplomatic staff during the conference's official "Embassy Tours," and interact with a roster of senior-level government officials during the Reception following our Opening Ceremonies.
The "Early Bird" registration fee is CAD $100 + HST, and will last until October 14; the "Regular" registration fee is CAD $120 + HST and applies October 15 onwards. The Ottawa Marriott has also graciously provided conference attendees with guaranteed, competitive nightly rates for those who book prior to October 24, 2022.
Further details regarding the conference (schedule, committees, and fees and deadlines) can be found at https://carleton.ca/mnato/. Please do not hesitate to contact the Project Manager, Ashton Mathias, if you have any questions or concerns at carletonmnato@gmail.com.
The unique four-day conference/simulation brings together over 100 students from across Canada to debate the most pressing transatlantic and international security issues. The core of the event is an intensive and immersive two-day simulation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization decision-making and crisis management. By assuming the role of NATO member state representatives, students gain a rich and unique understanding of Alliance politics, priorities and challenges facing NATO as well as a much deeper understanding of critical international security issues and their solutions. Committee topics and crisis scenarios are designed to challenge delegates to think critically and creatively about NATO’s current operations, priorities, and future directions.
In addition to the simulation, students take advantage of our location in the nation’s capital to meet with Canadian policymakers and foreign and military policy officials, and diplomats and military officers representing NATO member countries. MNATO organizes visits to embassies, high commissions, and Canadian federal departments for students to receive briefings on their country’s specific position on Alliance policies and priorities. MNATO also hosts a range of distinguished speakers and important networking opportunities. The event affords a unique opportunity for young Canadians to gain a greater appreciation and more nuanced understanding of NATO and its important contributions to international peace and security, while at the same time developing professional skills, such as negotiation and policy research.
In 2021, MNATO held its first virtual conference where students had a unique experience in digital diplomacy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Want to learn more? See the FAQ or contact the Carleton Model NATO team at carletonmnato@gmail.com
