The NATO Defense College (NDC) hosted the 71st Anciens’ Conference and Seminar from 21 to 23 May 2025, welcoming former Course Members who attended the College at some point since its founding. This event provided an opportunity for Anciens to reconnect with their peers, as well as with faculty and staff from their time at the NDC.
In light of the need for a more enduring, resilient, and a stronger NATO, this year’s Seminar focused on the following theme: “Sustaining Preparedness in the Long Run”. Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, NDC Commandant and President of the Anciens’ Association, opened the Seminar by emphasizing that while cherishing the past is important, the time has come to look ahead and consider how we can work together to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Belgian Chief of Defence, General Frederik Vansina, a 2012 Senior Course alumnus, delivered the keynote address. He underscored that NATO is at a historic turning point, requiring a shift from reactive to proactive preparedness. Belgium, like all Allies, must provide for national and collective defence by ensuring that it is sustainable, credible, and focused on burden shifting and industrial resilience. The Chief of Defence urged European nations to step up, stressing that rebalancing the transatlantic partnership demands greater responsibility. 2% of GDP is not a ceiling, but a floor, he added. Preparedness in the long run is not about anticipating the last war, but about preparing for the unknowable future.
Following the keynote address, a panel discussion moderated by Dr Olesya Vinhas de Souza, Researcher at the NDC Research Division, offered further insights into the current challenges for the Alliance. Next to lecturer Mr Christian Lifländer, Head of the Defence Policy Section at NATO Headquarters, panellists included Mr Thomas Richter, of the German Investment Funds Association, and Dr Julien Malizard, Chair, Economics of Defence at the French Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN). During the plenary discussion, the experts reflected on enhanced industry cooperation, on adapting to evolving threats, and on increased defence spending by Allies, addressing questions from participants. Anciens were also given the opportunity to join Senior Course 146 for a lecture on the South Caucasus, examining the strategic challenges and opportunities of the region.
Every year, the Anciens’ Conference and Seminar also features the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Anciens’ Association and the Annual Meeting of Secretaries of the National Associations. During the AGM, Honorary Anciens and Distinguished Anciens are nominated and awarded a diploma for outstanding contributions to the NATO Defense College or the Alliance. This year, Spanish Chief of Defence Admiral Teodoro López Calderón – present during the AGM – and General Dimitrios Choupis were honoured as Distinguished Anciens. The title of Honorary Anciens was awarded to Lieutenant General (Ret.) Antonio Li Gobbi and Admiral Rob Bauer.
At the close of the 71st Seminar, the Anciens’ Executive Committee Secretary role changed hands. After four years, Ms Nancy Vellone, former NDC Faculty Advisor and Ancien of both the Senior Course and NATO Regional Cooperation Course, passed on her responsibilities. She described the Anciens community as a great family that “not only keeps members connected but also plays a vital role in spreading the NATO and NDC message worldwide”. The position was taken over by Colonel Milan Jankura, NDC Faculty Advisor, and also a former Course Member. He feels “privileged to hold this role in such a distinguished Association”.
Overall, the NDC Anciens’ Association comprises around 9,000 former Course and Staff Members, organized into 25 National Associations. Many of these individuals hold or have held high-level national and international positions, demonstrating the College’s significant role in offering top-tier strategic education to current and future leaders.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)
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