Travel Writer Shira Crespi details her fulfilling experience at the International Model NATO Conference in Washington D.C.
From February 12th to 17th, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Model NATO conference in Washington, D.C. The conference was hosted by Howard University, Kamala Harris’ alma mater, Converse, and Northeastern University. After a rigorous application and interview process, a team of five politics students from the University of Birmingham, including me, were selected to represent Denmark. We represented the Danish delegation in different NATO committees, simulating the structure and decision-making processes of a real NATO conference. I served as the delegate on the Political Affairs Committee, negotiating and debating key global security issues alongside students from over 20 universities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Being the only delegation from the UK, the UoB team felt an added layer of pride and responsibility.
The conference was an intense, dynamic, yet rewarding experience, with 18 hours of negotiations spread across multiple sessions. The Political Affairs Committee focused on NATO’s involvement in the Asia-Pacific and the Southern Neighbourhood, working to draft resolutions and policy responses to pressing international concerns, namely issues in the South China Sea, and migration into Europe from the Middle East. The discussions developed my communication and teamwork abilities, as successful diplomacy relied on forming alliances and negotiating clauses that balanced national interests with collective security. Addressing the committee with confidence, responding to challenges from other delegates, and manoeuvring the political landscape of the room felt like a true test of international diplomacy.
The conference was an intense, dynamic, yet rewarding experience, with 18 hours of negotiations spread across multiple sessions
The conference ended with a prestigious closing ceremony, featuring speeches from the event’s founding figures and a celebration of participants’ achievements with an awards ceremony. As it was the 40th anniversary of the International Model NATO conference, the sense of community and shared accomplishment was palpable.
Beyond the committee sessions, the conference organisers arranged visits to the embassies of the countries we represented. Our team had the privilege of visiting the Danish Embassy, where two diplomats welcomed us for an in-depth Q&A session about Denmark’s security policies and NATO’s strategic priorities. This direct engagement with real-world practitioners provided invaluable insights that we incorporated into our committee discussions. That same evening, we attended a University of Birmingham alumni event at “The Shed,” the British embassy’s U.K.-themed pub, organised by the University staff. There, we networked with alumni, U.S. civil servants, and diplomats, exchanging stories and perspectives in such a welcoming setting.
This direct engagement with real-world practitioners provided invaluable insights that we incorporated into our committee discussions
Despite the packed schedule, we made the most of our time exploring the city. In between sessions, we visited iconic landmarks such as the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. We also took in the rich history of the city by touring the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Holocaust Museum—both deeply moving and thought-provoking experiences.
Another striking aspect of the city is its vibrant street culture. The city’s unique blend of go-go and pop music resonated from speakers on street corners, with spontaneous performers adding an energetic rhythm to daily life. The political atmosphere was also unmistakable, far more embedded in everyday spaces than in the UK. We felt that when our group dined at Kramer’s in Dupont Circle, a restaurant integrated into a bookshop filled with politically charged literature. Their prevalence in such a casual setting underscored how deeply engaged Washingtonians are in global and national affairs.
The city’s unique blend of go-go and pop music resonated from speakers on street corners, with spontaneous performers adding an energetic rhythm to daily life
Despite the cold temperatures and occasional snow, Washington greeted us with sunshine for most of our stay. For someone visiting the U.S. for the first time, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The opportunity to collaborate with bright, like-minded individuals from around the world in a dynamic, high-stakes setting made this trip an unforgettable adventure. The International Model NATO conference was more than just an academic exercise—it was a glimpse into the world of diplomacy, a test of strategic thinking, and an experience that will shape my future career in international relations.
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