We are proud to share that Dr. Paulina Piasecka, lecturer and expert in security studies at Civitas University, was the keynote speaker at The NATO Summit Education Pre-Event & 15th Employment Network Event, held on June 9, 2025, at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. This year’s edition, themed “Building Societal Resilience: A Whole-of-Society Approach”, brought together international experts, educators, and policymakers to explore the evolving challenges to global security.

Dr. Piasecka delivered the event’s only individual keynote lecture, titled “Adapting the Shield: Societal Resilience as the First Line of Defence Against Hybrid Threats.” Her presentation focused on the growing importance of societal resilience in countering hybrid threats and disinformation. She emphasized how destabilizing actions increasingly infiltrate everyday life—including academic environments—and shape the experiences of young people.

The address sparked a series of questions around the role of education and civic responsibility in fostering democratic resilience. As Dr. Piasecka noted:
“In a world that seems unable to distinguish between truth, half-truths, and outright lies, a sharp and critical mind is our last hope. Young people today face a difficult challenge: to believe that objective truth exists and that it is worth pursuing. Without this belief, those who wield disinformation as their primary weapon will divide and conquer us by turning us against one another.”

The event also featured an expert panel highlighting essential skills for modern society—critical thinking, information analysis, mindful communication, and collaboration. As emphasized during the discussions, these competencies are no longer optional—they are vital.

Dr. Piasecka’s presence at this prestigious international forum underscores Civitas University’s commitment to promoting responsible education and active engagement in global security dialogue.