Visit of the Norwegian group FOLK OG FORSVAR – People and Defence

On 26th October 2013, the Norwegian group FOLK OG FORSVAR – People and Defence visited the NATO Defense College (NDC) in Rome. This visit was intended to give the delegation an overview of the mission and activities of the NDC.

FOLK OG FORSVAR is an educational institution and cooperative body for democratic organizations in Norway, actively encouraging open discussion with a plurality of opinions. Its mission is to work for peace, freedom and democracy: institutional activities (courses, lectures, seminars, exhibitions) are designed to generate insights into military and societal security in Norway, raising awareness of the security and defence policy decided by the Stortinget (Parliament). As a matter of principle, FOLK OG FORSVAR’s activities are never associated with dissemination of personal political views.

The visit began with a warm welcome speech in Norwegian by NDC Commandant Lt Gen Arne Bård Dalhaug (NOR A), whose ADC Maj Christopher Leegaard (NOR F) then briefed the visitors on the day’s programme.

In order to have a practical idea of how the NDC works, the group had the chance to attend Senior Course 123’s morning lectures. The topic was “Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society”, addressed from different perspectives by three extremely qualified lecturers: Dr Rama Mani (IND), Research Associate at the University of Oxford’s Centre for International Studies; Mr Gianni Rufini (ITA), an acknowledged expert on international humanitarian aid; and Mr Aleardo Ferretti (ITA), Senior Delegate of the ICRC to NATO and the EU. After the lectures, the audience engaged all three speakers in a busy and challenging Q&A session.

The visit continued with a briefing by the NDC Director of Management, Commodore Harald Hakonsen (NOR N), who spoke about the structure of the College and its academic activities. He illustrated the objectives and main features of the NDC’s courses, focusing in particular on the Senior Course, the NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) and the new Senior Executive Regional Conference (SERC). This was an excellent opportunity for the visitors to better understand the NDC’s role as NATO’s premier academic institution.

NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Monica Fornari, ITA C)