From 16 to 20 September, the NATO Defense College (NDC) hosted a Modular Short Course on “Contemporary NATO”, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of the ever-evolving global security challenges faced by the Alliance. The Course was also attended by participants from partner countries in the Gulf region, at the NATO-ICI Regional Centre (NIRC), in Kuwait City.
Over the course of a week, participants delved into the complex and dynamic security landscape in which NATO operates. Discussions focused on the Alliance’s need to adapt in order to remain a relevant and effective force, both now and in the future.
After welcoming remarks delivered at the College by NDC Dean Dr Christopher M. Schnaubelt, participants explored a range of critical topics with lectures delivered by high-level subject-matter experts such as Mr Arda Karakaya, Head of Plans in the NATO IS Operations Division, and Mr Stephen Covington, Strategic and International Affairs Advisor to SACEUR at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). Topics covered the evolving security landscape; the EU’s security and defence policy; conventional and nuclear deterrence; and NATO’s adaptation to current and future military challenges.
Beyond in-depth insights provided by the lecturers, the Course also facilitated open dialogue and networking through committee work sessions and social events. These opportunities allowed participants to build lasting connections with their peers and foster human interoperability.
In addition to the programme hosted at the College, the Modular Short Course was also conducted at the NATO-ICI Regional Centre in Kuwait, where 24 senior military and civilian officials from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council secretariat attended the lectures streamed live from the NATO Defense College and participated in group discussions on-site. Thanks to the collaboration between the NDC and NIRC, and to the efforts of Mr Mohammed Al Oreifan, Director of the NIRC, and Ms Nora Beck, Head of the NATO Office in Kuwait, participants successfully learned about the contemporary security landscape and contributed to a stronger relationship between NATO and partner countries in the Gulf region.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Chloé Ketels, FRA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN