On 3-4 December 2020, the NATO Defense College (NDC) hosted the 50th meeting with the Academic Advisory Board (AAB). This annual NDC milestone event is when the Commandant receives advice from a board of experts and senior leaders on ways to improve the activities and commitments of the College. This year, the meeting was convened in hybrid mode in compliance with all COVID-19 safety measures.
The end of the year marks an important period during which the NATO Defense College meets with the Academic Advisory Board. This Board is chaired by the Chairman of the Military Committee and is comprised of senior representatives from NATO HQ, ACT, ACO and a group of external members from NATO and partner countries representing military, academic, scientific and diplomatic partners.
Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, Commandant of the NATO Defense College, opened the meeting with welcome remarks and introduced the members of the Board. Upon review of the 2019 recommendations, the NDC delegation presented topics concerning the three pillars of the College — education, research and engagement — for comments and advice from the Board.
During the two days, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart provided his comments and insights on work ongoing and the way forward.
The Board was composed of Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, VADM P.M. Bennett (Paul) CB OBE, Ambassador Baiba Braže, Ambassador Bettina Cadenbach, ACO Representative, Mr Dirk DUBOIS, Dr Bernard Finel, Dr Pierre Razaoux, Professor Raffaele Marchetti, and Dr Helen Dexter.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Laura Garcia Pesquera, ESP C)
NATO Defense College