Held between February and March 2026, these sessions took place across five universities in Span, Nebrija University, University of Valencia, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Atlantic University of the Middle, and University of Deusto, bringing together around 250 students. During the sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage with high-level experts, bringing together academia, the military, and diplomacy. They were able to exchange views with figures Colonel José Luis Calvo Albero, Major General Ricardo Esteban, and Sergeant Christian Ricós Sevilla, an expert in terrorism, all of whom contributed to a deeper understanding of the current challenges in international security.
As a final highlight, those who stood out for their participation, through the creation of a reel on the role of Europe in global security, were selected to take part in a unique experience in Brussels, the political heart of Europe, this past April.
Inmersion in international institutions
The trip allowed this group to gain first-hand insight into the main institutions and geopolitical dynamics of the continent. One of the key moments was the visit to NATO, where they held a meeting with Adela Díaz Bernárdez, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to the North Atlantic Council, and Jorge Lens Blanco, Deputy Defence Counsellor.
In a confidential setting, the discussion addressed essential issues such as NATO’s current role, Spain’s involvement in the organisation, and the main challenges of global security in an increasingly complex international context. The session provided a realistic and strategic perspective that is difficult to access from an academic environment.
Another key meeting took place at the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union. There, the group met with Nuño Santos, Counsellor at the Office of the Permanent Representative of Spain to the EU. Nuño shared his perspective in an open and approachable manner on European security and defence policy, as well as the geopolitical constraints and challenges currently facing the European Union.
Beyond politics: a cultural experience
The trip was not limited to institutional engagement. It also allowed the group to discover the cultural richness of Brussels, exploring its history, diversity, and gastronomy, all of which form part of the broader context in which European political decisions are made.
Youth engaged in the global future
This initiative reflects Helsinki España’s strong commitment to fostering a critical, informed, and active youth in international affairs. By connecting academic learning with real-world experiences in decision-making spaces, the programme contributes to shaping a new generation prepared to face the challenges of global security.
The experience in Brussels has not only been a recognition of the talent and engagement of the students, but also an opportunity to inspire vocations and strengthen the role of youth in building a safer and more cooperative future.
At a moment marked by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Lebanon, and the growing migratory pressures affecting Europe and, in particular, Spain, the so-called “new world order” occupies the center of the global agenda, as reflected in the recent Munich Security Conference. In this context, it is more necessary than ever to create spaces where young people can understand, analyze, and actively engage with the challenges that will shape the future.
Because a strong society is built not only by institutions, but also by an informed, critical, and committed citizenry.
Five cities, one conversation
Between February and March 2026, Helsinki España organized the cycle of conferences “Youth and Global Security”, held at five universities across Spain:
Universidad Nebrija (Madrid)
Universidad de Valencia (Valencia)
Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (Barcelona)
Universidad del Atlántico Medio (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
Universidad de Deusto (Bilbao)
Approximately 250 students participated in these sessions, engaging with high-level speakers including Colonel José Luis Calvo Albero in Madrid and Major General Ricardo Esteban in the Canary Islands.
Key topics for understanding security today
The cycle covered the main challenges shaping the current global security landscape:
Threats to the security of Spain and Europe
Cognitive warfare and hybrid conflicts
The evolution of terrorism in the international context
The role of major powers such as United States, China, and Russia
The role of the European Union in collective defense
Emerging issues were also explored, such as the impact of new technologies on conflicts, artificial intelligence applied to security, radicalization and the prevention of violent extremism, and the psychology of terror.
Youth: a driving force in global security
A central message of the cycle was the decisive role of youth in building resilient societies. Faced with manipulation, disinformation, or radicalization, young people are not only recipients of risks, they are key agents in generating solutions.
The conferences appealed directly to their civic engagement and responsibility as active citizens, particularly in defending democratic values and combating extremism.
Global security is not only a matter of states—it is also a generational conversation.
Looking towards Europe
As part of the program, five participants have been selected to travel soon to Brussels, where they will visit European institutions and Spain’s Permanent Representation to the EU, reinforcing the practical and experiential dimension of the project.
For several years, Helsinki España has organized conferences and sessions on Security and Defense, aiming to involve youth in strategic and global debates. This commitment continues, and we will keep holding these initiatives to foster critical thinking, active participation, and civic responsibility among new generationss.
Because understanding the world is the first step to transforming it.
Security and self-protection course for Latin American activists at Helsinki España
Across different parts of Latin America, there are people who challenge silence and fear every day. Journalists investigating corruption networks, mothers searching fields and roads for their missing children, and activists denouncing abuses of power. Their work is essential for democracy, but it also places them in a position of great vulnerability.
Many of these individuals have received threats, been persecuted, or have been forced to leave their countries to protect their lives. In some cases, exile becomes the only way to continue their work and remain safe—far from their families, their communities, and the places where their fight for justice began.
In this context, beyond recognizing their work, it is crucial to provide them with practical tools that enable them to protect themselves and continue their efforts more safely.
Against this backdrop, the IUCPM of Helsinki España recently delivered a security and self-protection course for human rights defenders from Latin America, an initiative made possible with the support of Fundación Carolina.
The objective of this training is clear: to protect those who protect.
During the course, participants, including journalists, activists, and professionals working both in their home countries and in exile, developed skills to face potential security threats in their daily work. The training strengthens their ability to assess their environment, identify risks, and respond appropriately to dangerous situations, equipping them with practical tools to protect themselves and those around them.
The programme included hands-on activities based on real-life scenarios. These covered first aid training, residential security, and vehicle safety, as well as evacuation drills for emergency situations. Participants also worked on self-defence techniques, managing attempted abductions, and self-protection protocols, through exercises designed to improve decision-making under pressure and enhance situational awareness.
The support provided by Fundación Carolina goes beyond technical training. The programme also offers psychological support, internships in leading organisations, cultural activities, and spaces to build networks among participants. These exchanges foster the sharing of experiences, the building of community, and the strengthening of connections that often become essential support networks.
For many participants, these opportunities represent not only a space for learning, but also a moment of relief and recognition after years of working under constant pressure and risk.
Initiatives like this reflect the commitment of international cooperation to the protection of human rights. Thanks to this support, those who dedicate their lives to denouncing injustice and protecting vulnerable communities can find a space for safety, training, and solidarity from which to continue their work.
On 14 October, Helsinki España held the conference “Challenges and Threats to International Security 2025” at the Spanish Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN), thanks to the support of the Spanish Ministry of Defence and in collaboration with CESEDEN. The event served as a space for analysis, dialogue, and reflection on the key challenges facing global and national security in an increasingly complex geopolitical context.
The conference brought together over one hundred participants, including academics, students, and professionals from the fields of security and defence. Its main objective was to engage society—particularly younger generations—in understanding and addressing contemporary security challenges, including disinformation and ethical leadership in times of uncertainty.
These annual conferences, organised by Helsinki España, aim to foster critical thinking and multidisciplinary discussion around the global threats of the 21st century. In a world shaped by geopolitical crises, regional conflicts, cyber threats, and environmental challenges, promoting joint reflection among the academic, military, and civil sectors is essential to building a more informed, resilient, and human approach to international security.
Key Speakers and Presentations
The session opened with remarks from Colonel José Luis Calvo Albero (CESEDEN) and Ms. María Jaén (Helsinki España), who highlighted the human dimension of security and the importance of institutional cooperation to strengthen social resilience.
🔹 Dr. Gracia Abad Quintanal (Universidad Nebrija) provided an insightful overview of international tensions and conflicts, addressing lesser-known crises and the rise of hybrid warfare.
🔹 Colonel Juan C. Castilla (CESEDEN) presented the Spanish perspective on international conflicts, emphasising Spain’s role and responsibility as a member of NATO and the European Union.
🔹 Ms. Carmen Jordá Sanz (Universidad Camilo José Cela) discussed the impact of disinformation on democracies, stressing the need for a critical and ethical approach to information control and dissemination.
🔹 Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Rojas Caja (CESEDEN) explored the theme of leadership in times of uncertainty, underscoring the relevance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills as essential tools for effective leadership in crisis situations.
🔹 Mr. Christian Ricós Sevilla, an expert on radicalisation and terrorism, examined terrorism and extremism, challenging the myth of a “terrorist personality” and analysing the religious symbolism and motivations underpinning radical movements.
🔹 Finally, Mr. José Antonio Álvarez Crespo and Mr. Ricardo González Ruiz, directors of the project Consenso Victoria, underlined the importance of coordination among security forces and the need for public training to respond effectively to emergencies. The event concluded with the screening of the documentary “Consenso Victoria”, which showcased best practices in the management of critical incidents.
Helsinki España extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Defence for its financial support and to CESEDEN for its collaboration and hospitality. Their commitment made this event possible and reinforced our shared mission to promote education, cooperation, and the development of a more secure, informed, and resilient society.
Today, the United Nations Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination Training Course (UN-CMCoord) was officially inaugurated in Alfaz del Pi. The course is organized by Helsinki España with the support of the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
This course, led by OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), aims to train humanitarian professionals in coordination between civilian and military actors in emergency and conflict situations. Civil-military coordination is essential to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches affected populations in a safe and effective manner.
The course brings together 20 participants from 15 nationalities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, currently working in complex humanitarian contexts such as Sudan, Palestine, Lebanon, or Ukraine. Over the coming days, participants will develop essential skills in planning, communication, and coordination between civilian organizations and military forces.
For example, in conflict situations, civil-military coordination allows peacekeeping forces to secure safe corridors for humanitarian aid delivery, while civilian organizations plan the distribution of food and medicine efficiently and safely, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
Julio Francisco Carbonell Franco, CIMIC J9 Analyst, Ministry of Defence.
María Jaén, President of Helsinki España.
Isabel Muñoz, Councillor for Cooperation and Volunteering, Alfaz del Pi.
Martine J.L. Mertens, CCouncillor for Foreign Communities, Alfaz del Pi.
The first session of the course was delivered by Josef Reiterer, Lead of Capability Development, Civil-Military Coordination Service, OCHA, introducing the key concepts of civil-military coordination in humanitarian contexts.
We would like to especially thank the Alfaz del Pi City Council, which always warmly hosts Helsinki España’s peace missions courses. Their commitment to creating a fairer world and promoting the internationalization of the municipality through inclusive initiatives is a cornerstone for the success of these training and international cooperation activities.
Through this initiative, Helsinki España reaffirms its commitment to training humanitarian professionals and promoting international cooperation, contributing to improved safety, effectiveness, and coordination in humanitarian operations where they are most needed.
Volunteering is one of the most enriching experiences a university student can have. By dedicating part of your time to others, you not only help build a more just society but also transform yourself.
Volunteering is an opportunity to develop empathy, learn to see life from different perspectives, and connect with realities different from your own. It is also a way to contribute to reducing inequalities, adding your grain of sand to creating a fairer world.
But the benefits aren’t only collective: volunteering allows you to learn new skills, discover hidden talents, improve communication, and work effectively in teams. Additionally, it’s a natural way to socialize and expand your network with people who share your values.
At the heart of volunteering is altruism: the genuine impulse to give without expecting anything in return, often becoming the source of the most rewarding experiences..
An Experience That Boosts Your Professional Future
More and more companies value candidates who have participated in volunteering activities during the hiring process. Why? Because volunteering demonstrates social commitment, initiative, and teamwork skills, essential qualities in any professional environment. It also reflects resilience, empathy, and leadership, highly appreciated in an increasingly diverse and global world.
On your CV, volunteering experience speaks for you—not just about what you know, but who you are and what values drive you.
Youth for Youth: A Program with Real Impact
With this philosophy, the “Youth for Youth” program by Helsinki España was created in 2001, a project that has since reached almost all regions of Spain and has also been organized in other countries around the world.
Every year, the program trains university students in human rights and other highly relevant topics, such as:
Gender, diversity, and inclusion
Environment and sustainability
Migration and intercultural realities
Emotional psychology
Risks of social media and new technologies
After the training, volunteers bring this knowledge to schools, teaching children and adolescents the importance of building a more just, equal, and respectful society. This creates a multiplying effect: young people learn and, at the same time, educate others.
This September, a new course begins, offering the perfect opportunity for more university students to join as volunteers.
Why Join?
If you are a university student looking for an experience that combines learning, social commitment, and personal growth, this is your place. Being part of Youth for Youth means joining a community that believes in a better future and works every day to make it a reality.
Volunteering doesn’t just change lives: it changes yours too.
Are you ready to join?
