Rome , 25 September 2009. The programme for the 56th Anciens’ Annual Conference and Seminar included celebrations for a dual event: NATO’s 60th Anniversary and the NATO Defense College’s 10th year at its current location in the Cecchignola military zone.
The day’s events began at the College with a flag raising ceremony to mark the two anniversaries. All College Staff, Course Members and Anciens attended.
Among the high-level NATO officials here for this important and unique occasion were the Deputy Secretary General, His Excellency Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, and the Chairman of the Military Committee, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola. In the presence of the Commandant of the NATO Defense College, Lieutenant General Wolf-Dieter Loeser, they unveiled a plaque commemorating the NDC’s tenth anniversary at its current location.
The celebrations continued with a Conference in the Maynard-Thorne Auditorium. The NDC Commandant, who is also President of the Anciens’ Association, welcomed lecturers, participants and the 171 Anciens who were present. After briefly introducing the four eminent speakers, H.E. Mr Robert HUNTER, Former US Ambassador to NATO, General Jean-Louis GEORGELIN, French Chief of Defence, H.E. Mr Zoltan MARTINUSZ, Director, Directorate for the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Council of the European Union, and H.E. Mr Wolfgang ISCHINGER, Chairman, Munich Security Conference, General LOESER ended his speech with one minute’s silence in honour of all the military and civilians who have lost their lives during Peace Support Operations. He then handed over the floor to Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola.
The Chairman of the Military Committee skipped introductions and got straight down to business, stressing that the 60th Anniversary of NATO must be an opportunity to look forward to the future in a very fast-changing world.
In his address, Admiral Di Paola mentioned President Obama and underlined the need for a cooperative effort based on four main pillars: a clear plan for the prevention of nuclear proliferation; the promotion of peace and security; the preservation of our planet at a time of climate change; and a global economy that allows everyone the opportunity to progress.
The conference proceeded with lectures by the other speakers. They focused on the topic "From Washington to Lisbon – towards a new Strategic Concept” and were followed by a stimulating question and answer session.
Prepared by Ms Monica BARNABA (ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN