Empowering the Next Generation of Canadian & British Defence Leaders

On 26 June, the Canada-UK Council (CUKC) convened its second annual Young and Emerging Leadership Forum, on "Defence and Society in an Uncertain World". They brought together the next generation of leaders to exchange insights amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, a pivotal NATO summit, and new strategic announcements from both the UK and Canada. 

Sponsored by the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, Director Professor Kingsley Abbott moderated the event.

Three key themes emerged:

• The Power of Personal Connections: Essential in strengthening national relationships, and helping them endure through turbulence.
• Expanding Alliances: The challenges we face require us to embrace diverse bilateral and minilateral groupings to push forward ambitions and find new ways of collaborating. 
• Cultivating a Security-Conscious Society: Establishing a "security culture" that recognises defence as the foundation of liberal democracy.

Underlying all discussions was the pivotal role of trust—a cornerstone for garnering public support and reinforcing defence initiatives.

Further details available here.