As Field study 3 advanced into Day 4, Course Members of SC 138 were provided a wide overview of the Belgium’s Defence Policy and its role within NATO, in addition to a summary of the United Nations’ international practices.
The first block of lectures began with an overview of Belgium, preceded by welcome remarks delivered by the NDC Dean, Dr Stephen MARIANO. MGEN Frederik Vansina, Assistant Chief of Staff Strategy, then introduced Course Members to the Belgian Defence Policy. Afterwards, Ambassador Pascal Heyman, Permanent Representative of Belgium to NATO, provided a briefing on Belgium’s position in NATO. Lastly, ADM Michel Hofman, Belgium Chief of Defence addressed the challenges of Belgium Defense. The session was followed by a one-hour Q&A.
The second half of the session included the virtual tour to the United Nations, which was again preceded by the welcome remarks of NDC Dean, Dr Stephen J. Mariano. Ambassador Trine Heimerback, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, along with COL Kåre Emil Braendeland, Military Advisor at the Permanent Mission of Norway to the UN, discussed the experience within UN Security Council from a national perspective. A panel of experts followed, comprised of Chief of Staff of the Office of Military Affairs; COL Stephanie J. Tutton, from the Office of Military Affairs as the Chief of Policy and Doctrine, who lectured on peacekeeping challenges and trends. Mr Mark Pedersen, Chief of the Integrated Training Service within the Policy, Evaluation and Training Division focused on linkages between operations and training, followed LTC Oluwaseun Sanni, Assessment Team, Office of Military Affairs, who gave insights on threats and challenges in field missions. The final lecture of the day was delivered by Mrs Theresa Whitfield, Director of the Policy and Mediation Division in the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs on UN Peacekeeping Operations.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Jose Moron Marchena, ESP C)
NATO Defense College