This year’s NATO Festival once again showcased the diversity of the alliance’s member states. The Hungarian Defense Forces National Liaison Office, Hungarian diplomats and their families, as well as the Hungarian community living abroad, actively participated in the events this year as well, showcasing our country’s professional and cultural presence on the international stage.
The festival kicked off with the Model NATO Challenge simulation competition on March 16, 2026, at Virginia Wesleyan University. The event not only contributes to the professional development of participating students but also helps raise awareness of NATO’s values and operations among the broader civil society.
Photo: honvedelem.hu
This year’s competition focused on the topic of hybrid warfare, providing students with an opportunity to develop their strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
The relevance of the topic is underscored by real-world geopolitical events, such as cyberattacks against the Baltic states, cognitive and information operations, and the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, all of which demonstrate that, beyond traditional military means, political, economic, and informational dimensions also play a decisive role in the security of NATO member states. As in 2025, on the Hungarian side, Erika Gazdag, a concept development expert in Strategic Planning and Policy at NATO’s Allied Command Transformation, prepared Hasan Agha, who participated as Hungary’s delegate in the simulated North Atlantic Council meeting, gaining experience in international diplomacy.
The main event of the 73rd Norfolk NATO Festival took place on April 18 in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, under the motto “One Alliance / Shared Horizons,” featuring the Parade of Nations and the International Village with music, cuisine, and cultural programs.
More than 100 units participated in the only NATO parade in the United States, including American and international bands, community groups, and, of course, floats representing NATO member states—among them the Hungarian one.
At the event venue, in the Hungarian tent, visitors were greeted with gifts in the national colors, flags, and pins, as well as Matyó-patterned pin cushions sewn by Hungarian wives. This year, visitors to the event paid special attention to the Hungarians: they inquired about the origins of the Hungarian language and immersed themselves in solving Rubik’s Cubes, which filled the participating Hungarians with immense pride and joy.
Via honvedelem.hu; Featured image: honvedelem.hu
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