On 21 September 2012, the NATO Defense College (NDC) hosted the closing ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of the first Senior Executive Regional Conference (SERC-1).
The Course was addressed to a select, high-profile group of diplomats, senior officials, high-ranking officers, policy planners and researchers, from NATO member states as well as from the Alliance’s partner countries in the Gulf and Mediterranean area. Participants successfully engaged in an intensive week of study, dialogue and open discussion on the strategic issues which are currently of particular relevance to the security of the countries represented.
The 21st century is proving extremely volatile, with many interdependent trends that are both regional and international not only in their origin but also in their scope. Phenomena such as cyberterrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the fight for the management of natural resources are having a serious impact on the stability and security of Mediterranean and Gulf countries. Within this setting, the Course offered a high-level forum for assessment and discussion of major strategic concerns.
Attendees were addressed on the last morning of the course by NDC Commandant LtGen Arne Bård Dalhaug, who paid tribute to the dedication of all concerned and the academic excellence achieved. This provided a fitting introduction to the undoubted highlight of this special day, the presence of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan as guest of honour for a round table discussion and a lecture. SERC participants thus had the chance to hear his authoritative analysis of several sensitive topics, such as social unrest in North Africa, energy policy and energy relations among countries in the Gulf region.
After this extremely stimulating discussion, the Prince honoured the College’s guests, Course Members, faculty and staff with a public lecture on “Sustainable security and a prosperous future for our people”. Offering a detailed appraisal of many relevant issues, he expressed his views on how the countries of the Gulf can uplift their economies and societies through specific institutional and financial tools. He also called for constant effort to ensure frank inter-religious dialogue among Muslim communities, with the ultimate prospect of achieving a common regional identity and acting correspondingly within the international arena.
Before taking leave of the NDC, SERC participants were able to enjoy an informal meeting and celebrate the conclusion of a most successful week.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Eleonora Fuser, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
