The LeadInSecurity Programme is NATO’s Leadership Accelerator designed specifically to strengthen the next generation of women leaders in defence, security, and related strategic sectors. This initiative focuses on identifying high-potential women professionals across NATO Allied countries and equipping them with the leadership skills, mentorship, and international exposure required to thrive in complex global security environments.
Delivered as a structured 10-month mentorship and leadership development programme (October 2026 – July 2027), LeadInSecurity provides a unique platform where participants engage directly with experienced defence and security professionals through personalised mentoring, leadership workshops, and in-person networking events.
This programme is not just a training initiative; it is a strategic investment in the future of global security leadership, ensuring that women are actively represented in decision-making roles across defence, diplomacy, international relations, and security innovation.
About LeadInSecurity by NATO
LeadInSecurity is a flagship leadership accelerator created to address the gender gap in defence and security leadership. It aims to build a strong pipeline of women leaders who can contribute meaningfully to national and international security systems.
The programme connects emerging professionals with senior experts in NATO-related defence and security fields, fostering long-term professional relationships, leadership development, and cross-border collaboration.
Key focus areas include:
- Defence strategy and policy development
- International security cooperation
- Emerging security threats and global risk analysis
- STEM applications in defence systems
- Cybersecurity and technological security innovation
- International relations and diplomacy
Programme Structure and Duration
The LeadInSecurity Accelerator runs for 10 months (October 2026 – July 2027) and is built around a blended learning and mentorship model.
Participants will benefit from:
- One-to-One Mentorship
- Direct mentorship from experienced professionals in defence and security sectors
- Personalized career guidance and leadership development support
- Workshops and Training Sessions
- Leadership development workshops
- Strategic thinking and decision-making training
- Sector-specific learning modules in defence and security
- Networking and In-Person Events
- Opportunities to meet NATO professionals and policymakers
- Peer networking with emerging women leaders across Allied countries
- Professional Growth Exposure
- Real-world insights into defence systems and security operations
- Exposure to global policy discussions and strategic frameworks
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must identify as women professionals or emerging leaders
- Age range: 25 to 35 years old
- Must be a national of a NATO Allied country
- Must be working in defence, security, STEM, international relations, or closely related fields
- Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to professional growth
- Strong interest in defence policy, global security, or international cooperation
- Ability to fully participate in a 10-month mentorship programme
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit:
- Personal information (full name, age, nationality, residence)
- Current organisation or institutional affiliation
- Current job title or professional role
- Email contact details
- LinkedIn profile link
This information is used to assess eligibility and suitability for the programme’s leadership development pathway.
Key Benefits of the LeadInSecurity Programme
Selected participants will gain access to:
- High-level NATO mentorship and leadership guidance
- Direct engagement with defence and security professionals
- Enhanced leadership and strategic thinking skills
- International networking opportunities
- Exposure to global security policy environments
- Career development support in defence and related sectors
- A structured 10-month professional growth journey
Programme Impact
LeadInSecurity is designed to create long-term systemic impact in global defence and security leadership by:
- Increasing representation of women in strategic security roles
- Strengthening leadership pipelines in NATO Allied countries
- Promoting diversity in defence and security decision-making
- Supporting cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange
Deadline
The application deadline for LeadInSecurity 2026 is:
5 July 2026
Apply Now
To learn more and apply, Click Here
Conclusion
The LeadInSecurity Programme represents a rare opportunity for women professionals in defence, security, and international relations to gain direct access to NATO-level leadership development. With its structured mentorship model, global exposure, and high-level networking opportunities, it serves as a powerful accelerator for future leaders shaping international security policy.
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