As we approach the end of the year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to the entire NATO Defense College community. This season is a time to reflect on our collective accomplishments and to express gratitude for the dedication and cooperation that make our work truly impactful.
In 2024, we achieved significant milestones in strengthening education, dialogue, and research on the Alliance’s most pressing challenges. Among these highlights was our first ever Senior Executive Seminar, which brought together senior advisors to heads of state, government, and parliaments from Allied nations. We are also proud of the record number of participants in the Generals, Flag Officers, and Ambassadors Course, as well as on our Modular Short Courses. Furthermore, we successfully conducted two more Senior Courses and NATO Regional Cooperation Courses.
A particularly meaningful moment this year was receiving the “General Gutiérrez Mellado” Extraordinary Defence Award 2024, which recognises the NATO Defense College’s pivotal role in preparing Spanish officers for senior positions within the Alliance’s military structure. This prestigious award was a true testament to the fact that the College is adding value not only to the Alliance, but also to Allies themselves.
A global perspective is embedded in all our courses and activities, and extends to every corner of the world. In today’s interconnected world, fostering international cooperation and mutual understanding across borders is not only fundamental – it is vital to progress and stability on a global scale.
While many accomplishments defined this year, I would like to highlight a few that reflect our global approach:
- In the North, Senior Course 145 visited Canada, where Course Members gained firsthand insights into the Arctic region’s complex security challenges.
- In the South, we conducted the Generals, Flag Officers, and Ambassadors’ Course for Partners – Sahel (GFOAC-P Sahel) at the G5 Sahel Defense College in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and hosted Gulf Week in Kuwait City, in partnership with the NATO-ICI Regional Centre (NIRC).
- In the West, we completed the 53rd NATO Conference of Commandants, in Washington, D.C., co-hosted with our partners at the U.S. National Defense University. Our Senior Course participants also undertook the Transatlantic Field Study, engaging with key interlocutors in New York, Washington, D.C., and Norfolk, Virginia.
- In the East, we resumed International Week in Kyiv for the first time since the onset of the war in Ukraine, in cooperation with our esteemed partners at the National Defence University of Ukraine (NDUU). Moreover, we conducted our first ever Field Study to the Indo-Pacific, with Senior Course 144 travelling to the Republic of Korea and Japan to explore the security dynamics and challenges of this strategically important region.
I would also like to highlight the work of our Research Division, whose forward-thinking publications remain a vital pillar of the College’s mission. A particularly notable achievement this year was the launch of the NATO 2099 Graphic Novel -a project developed in collaboration with 35 science fiction authors from across the Alliance, which imagines NATO’s evolution 75 years into the future. It showcases the College’s commitment to exploring forward-looking approaches that strengthen the Alliance, today and in the future.
In its 75 years of history, NATO has grown into the world’s strongest and most successful Alliance. With 32 Allies united under its banner, one thing remains clear: we are stronger together. In an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable world, our safety is anchored in the Allies’ unwavering commitment to defend each other, because unity is our greatest strength.
This holiday season, let us reflect on that common bond. We are one team – Allies standing shoulder to shoulder to confront any threat, overcome challenges, and protect our people.
At the NATO Defense College, we remain steadfast in our dedication to contributing to NATO’s mission and success. We strive to develop future leaders, foster a global perspective, promote mutual understanding, build human interoperability – recognising that security knows no borders – and embrace forward-looking approaches to ensure we are ready for the future.
Happy holidays!
Lieutenant General (DNK AF) Max A.L.T. NIELSEN,
NDC Commandant
NATO Defense College