On 24 July 2009, at the Senior Course 114 Graduation Ceremony, the NATO Defense College had the privilege to welcome the Chairman of the Military Committee, Admiral Giampaolo DI PAOLA, who delivered the graduation address.
The ceremony was opened by the NDC Commandant, Lt. Gen. Wolf-Dieter LOESER, in the presence of the many Italian and foreign authorities seated in the Mainard-Thorn Auditorium. The presence of the Chief of the Italian Defence Staff, General Vincenzo Camporini, together with the Chief of Army and the Chief of Navy, eloquently underlined the significance of the closure of the Course.
In his introduction, the Commandant thanked the distinguished guests and emphasized the Italian contribution to the College, which this year celebrates its first decade of residence in the building donated by Italy to the Alliance in September 1999 and located within the Cecchignola military zone.
The Admiral gave a very appropriate speech entitled “Towards a new Strategic Concept – the military perspective”, in which he stressed that the 60th anniversary of NATO is not just a celebration but is also a year in which we have seen some very important changes in the Alliance. France has formally rejoined NATO’s full military structure, and we have welcomed two new members: Albania and Croatia. And finally, we have had the 60th Anniversary Summit, which has lit the slow-burning fuse in our work towards a new Strategic Concept for NATO. Furthermore, he said, the New Strategic Concept must highlight and provide clear guidance on the notion of a Comprehensive Approach, which is based on the values shared by North Americans and Europeans.
The ceremony ended with the award of diplomas, which were personally handed over by the Chairman of the Military Committee, Admiral Giampaolo DI PAOLA, and the NDC Commandant, Lt. Gen. Wolf-Dieter LOESER, to the 92 course members, coming from 39 countries.
Prepared by Mr Angelo MAROLLA (ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN