On 14 May 2025, the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) convened the final meeting of the fourth edition of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) Mentorship Programme, an initiative established in the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.
The final meeting served as a moment of reflection, celebration, and exchange. As in previous years, participants of the mentorship programme engaged in mentoring relationships that included regular virtual meetings, peer exchanges, and professional guidance. Mentors and mentees also had the opportunity to attend high-level events, such as the EUNPDC Annual Conference and the Next Generation Workshop, as well as smaller regional alumni meetings in Brussels and Vienna and thematic workshops. The programme offered valuable exposure to the field of non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, while also helping participants to build lasting networks and explore career opportunities in a highly specialised and competitive domain.
Opening the event, Elena K. Sokova, VCDNP Executive Director, emphasised the essential role of mentorship in fostering the next generation of leaders in the field. Ms. Sokova highlighted how the programme continues to bridge persistent gender and generational gaps, equipping young women with the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive. Stephan Klement, EU Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, reiterated the EU’s ongoing support for the initiative, stressing its strategic value in cultivating diverse perspectives and strengthening global governance on WMD issues. Both speakers underlined the wider impact of the programme and the critical importance of youth engagement and gender inclusivity for the future of non-proliferation and disarmament work.
A highlight of the meeting were the presentations of mentees’ research deliverables. Moderated by Ettore Greco, Executive Vice-President of the International Affairs Institute (IAI), the session featured three mentees who presented their work:
The meeting also featured a professional development segment with Elizabeth Bone, Career and Academic Advisor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Her session, moderated by Paola Tessari (IAI), offered practical advice on handling rejection – a challenge common to many professionals. Drawing from her experience, Ms. Bone encouraged participants to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and to lean on their networks for honest feedback and encouragement. Her message resonated with many in the audience, sparking a candid and supportive discussion.
In the final part of the event, mentees and mentors were invited to share their reflections on the programme experience. The discussion, facilitated by Federica Dall’Arche (VCDNP), was rich with insights. Many mentees praised the programme not only for the guidance received from their mentors but also for the sense of community that developed among participants – both online and during in-person events. Several expressed appreciation for the hands-on skill-building sessions, particularly those on open-source intelligence (OSINT), and suggested ways to make future editions even more engaging and inclusive.
Concluding the event, Sibylle Bauer, Director of Studies at SIPRI and Chair of the EUNPD Consortium, offered heartfelt closing remarks. She reaffirmed the Consortium’s commitment to supporting the Mentorship Programme in the years ahead and reflected on the importance of nurturing talent in a time of increasing global uncertainty. Ms. Bauer reminded participants that the end of the mentorship cycle is only the beginning of their journey in the field, and encouraged them to stay engaged, connected, and confident in their ability to shape the future of disarmament and non-proliferation.
The 2024–2025 edition of the Mentorship Programme closes with a renewed sense of purpose and community. As echoed by many voices during the final meeting, this initiative continues to be a catalyst for personal growth, professional development, and meaningful change.
