This week, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is taking place in Dayton. It鈥檚 the first time the event has come to the US since 2003 and it鈥檚 coming at a precarious time for US-International relations.
Kathryn Mobley, reporter with member station WYSO, joined the Ohio Newsroom to discuss what it means for Ohio.
On why Dayton was chosen
"Every year, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meets in the spring and in the fall in a member nation.
The City of Dayton is hosting the 2025 NATO Spring Parliamentary Assembly as it commemorates the 30-year anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. In November of 1995, international leaders met at Wright Patterson Air Force Base to create the framework document--which helped to end the Bosnian Civil War.
Congressman Mike Turner is another big reason why NATO is coming to Dayton. He鈥檚 Vice-Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Realizing the 30-year-anniverary was on the horizon, Turner and his office have strongly campaigned for the city of Dayton to host this year鈥檚 parliamentary event."
On the significance of the event
"Delegates and support staff totalling about 1,200 people will come into Dayton for the assembly. Area professors following these international talks says topics will include the war between Russia and Ukraine, encroachment into the Arctic region by China and Russia, increased defense and military spending and the potential global economic impact of U.S. tariffs.
At the end of the day, these delegates hope to establish and strengthen international relationships with their counterparts in other nations to promote effective collaboration when responding to global events.
There are also opportunities for ordinary citizens to participate.
Thursday through Sunday, public forums will be held at the University of Dayton. International speakers will cover a range of topics including: a review of U.S. global strategies and challenges to further EU & transatlantic integration.
Many of these will be livestreamed. To attend in person, people "
On Dayton's preparations
"There will be a NATO Village in downtown Dayton and security will be high.
I spoke with Dayton Police Major Chris Mason who says it鈥檚 all hands-on