On 20 February 2020, the NATO Defense College celebrated the inauguration of its two flagship courses.
Distinguished guests, Course Members, Faculty and Staff gathered in the Maynard-Thorn Auditorium, to celebrate the start of the new courses. The NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Chris Whitecross opened the ceremony by welcoming the 103 new Course Members, and introduced the guest of honour, Air Chief Marshall Sir Stuart Peach who also serves as current Chairman of the Military Committee. General Whitecross emphasized the exceptional nature of the event, as the NDC was concurrently hosting the Military Committee during their visit to Italy.
“You have come to the College at an interesting time: regional developments have led to a heightened sense of urgency, heated debate, and active response. Now more than ever, we need leaders with a capacity to “adapt” and “think outside the box”.
She continued: “Our role here at the College is to provide a forum where, as future NATO leaders, you can analyse and discuss the implications of world events and how to face the challenges they entail; the NDC education will help you develop informed opinions through the high level lecturers, visits to nations and opportune access to senior leaders”.
The guest of honour, Sir Stuart Peach, expressed his pleasure at being back in Rome and at the NDC. “This 3-day visit showcases some of Italy’s most remarkable contributions to our Alliance. As one of NATO’s Founding Members, Italy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to NATO and its Allies over the last 70 years.” He then continued: “For almost all of our 70 year history, the NATO Defense College has delivered first class education and provided the commitment for lifelong learning. To all those who participate in courses here – you may come to represent your Nations at NATO headquarters and contribute to shaping the course of our great Alliance. So I encourage you to absorb all that you can as this will contribute to the leaders you will become.”
In parallel to the Inauguration Ceremony, the NDC Research Division led by its Director Dr Thierry Tardy, together with three guest speakers, engaged the MC in three distinct panel sessions. The first, which focused on the South, the second on NATO’s Current and Future challenges chaired by Dean Dr Stephen Mariano, and the third on the Transatlantic Perspective – a valuable opportunity for enriching discussions on some of NATO’s key interests.
This 5½ month-long Senior Course sees the participation of 71 high-ranking military and civilian officials from 31 NATO member states and partners. The NATO Regional Cooperation Course will once again run alongside the Senior Course, with 32 military and civilian representatives from 17 countries from the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), Partners across the globe and NATO
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Ilaria Latorre, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN