The NATO Defense College hosts the 66th Anciens’ Annual Conference and Seminar

On Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October, the NATO Defense College hosted the 66th annual Anciens’ Conference and Seminar.

Anciens, the NDC Command group and members of the NDC staff met on Thursday evening for the reception at the Italian Army Officers’ Club in Rome. On Friday morning, the Secretaries of the various National Anciens’ Associations gathered for their Annual Meeting. After the meeting, the Annual Seminar in the Maynard-Thorn Auditorium examined this year’s chosen topic: “Looking forward: NATO’s response to future challenges”. Senior Course 135 and NRCC-22 Course Members joined the Anciens who had gathered for the occasion.

Participants were welcomed by NDC Commandant and the President of the Anciens’ Association, NDC Commandant LGEN Chris Whitecross. She introduced keynote speaker Prof. Jamie Shea, former NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, and the panellists: Amb. Alessandro Minuto Rizzo, Dr Diego Ruiz Palmer and Dr Can Kasapoglu.

The plenary discussion was moderated by Dr Thierry Tardy, Director of the Research Division.

In her closing remarks, the Commandant stressed the importance of the Anciens’ Association in preserving and developing the bonds of friendship forged while at the NDC, and in promoting the NATO Defense College’s activities.

The afternoon was dedicated to the Annual General Meeting of the Anciens’ Association.

The Conference and Seminar afforded an important opportunity to create new bonds between Anciens and the NDC Course Members and staff. The Anciens’ Association has more than 7,000 members worldwide. The fact that many of them hold national or international positions of great responsibility reflects the high educational standards set by the NDC, and the excellent reputation it enjoys among Allied and Partner nations.

NDC Public Affairs Office