From Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th October, the NATO Defense College (NDC) in Rome hosted the 60th edition of the Anciens’ Annual Conference and Seminar.
The entire College was particularly happy to join NDC Commandant LtGen Arne Bård Dalhaug (NOR A), as President of the Anciens’ Association, in welcoming a large group of Anciens to mark this special occasion.
The academic highlight of the reunion was Friday’s Seminar, attended by Anciens, Senior Course 123 (SC 123) and NDC Staff, the main session of which focused on the topic “The Revolutions in the Arab World”. Proceedings were opened by LtGen Dalhaug, who took pleasure in giving the floor to the new Dean, Dr Daria Daniels Škodnik (SVN C). The Dean’s main message was the vital role played by the ability to communicate across cultures – meaning not only national, but also institutional cultures – in order to preserve peace and stability. She explained why the NATO Defense College is uniquely qualified to ensure that this ability is appropriately developed. After the Dean’s address, Col Giuseppe Morabito (ITA A), Head of the NDC’s Middle East Faculty (MEF), introduced H.E. Admiral (ret) Giampaolo Giampaolo Di Paola (ITA N), former Minister of Defence of Italy. Admiral Di Paola’s incisive and highly topical presentation, entitled “NATO’s Evolution – The Way Ahead”, set the scene for a lively discussion and for the specific focus of the following lectures.
For the second session of the morning, Col Morabito introduced Prof Fawaz A. Gerges (USA C), Professor of Middle Eastern Politics and International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Dr Andreas Jacobs (DEU C), Faculty Advisor at the MEF. Both speakers offered a fascinating update on current trends and events in the Arab world. This part of the Seminar concluded with an extremely thought-provoking Q&A session.
In the afternoon, the Anciens’ Annual General Meeting was introduced by H.E. Mr Roman Jakic (SVN C), Minister of Defence of Slovenia, who visited the College for the first time, accompanied by the Ambassador of Slovenia to Italy, H.E. Iztok Mirosic. The Minister acknowledged the significant contribution made by NDC Anciens to the Alliance’s overall unity and cohesion. Mr Jakic also took the opportunity to congratulate Dr Daniels Škodnik on her appointment as Dean, and to present the new Slovenian Anciens’ Association.
This special anniversary was marked on Friday evening by a concert of the Italian Army Band, whose bravura was brilliantly showcased under the dynamic leadership of Maestro Antonella Bona. The concert, offered to the NDC and Anciens by Italy as Host Nation, was graciously authorized by the Italian Defence General Staff. Among the distinguished international audience were military and political dignitaries, who were joined for this memorable occasion by the whole of the NDC Staff.
On Saturday morning, the very full programme for this year’s Seminar concluded with a visit to Ostia Antica, organized in coordination with the College Art & History Programme. The visit was a great success with all concerned – Anciens, SC 123 and College Staff.
The NDC Anciens’ Association counts more than 6,800 Anciens all over the world, who have attended the Senior Course over the years. Their lasting ties with the College, and the professional network that they provide to current Course Members, add great value to the educational experience offered by the NDC, helping to build firm friendships. Many Anciens hold positions of great responsibility in the civil services of their respective nations or in the Alliance – a fitting reflection of the rigorous educational standards set by the College, and of their importance for participating nations. In this overall setting, the Anciens’ Seminar provides an excellent forum for former NDC Course Members not only to discuss their insights into NATO-related matters, but also to share memories of the instructive and stimulating time they spent at the College.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Monica Fornari, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
