Her Excellency Mrs Nancy Bakir, High Commissioner for Arab Civil Society- League of Arab States, visited the NATO Defense College on 7 April. Mrs Bakir, the former Minister of Culture and Public Sector Reform of Jordan, delivered a keynote speech to NRCC Course Members on “The role of Civil Society in Security Cooperation: the experience of the League of Arab States”. Before starting her lecture, she was warmly welcomed by the NDC Commandant, Lieutenant General Wolf-Dieter Loeser.
In Arab countries, civil society is an extremely complex and dynamic reality, composed of multifaceted organizations. A wider collaboration among these actors and the governments who form the Arab League could enhance the role of civil society in the economic, social and developmental fields.
Mrs Bakir also stressed that a strategic vision for education, people empowerment and cultural and religious dialogue among the countries belonging to this area are crucial in order to strengthen the Arab League and foster its future development.
Mrs Bakir also came to visit the College to meet senior officials to discuss matters of mutual interest for NATO and the Arab League. Drawing on her experience in the Jordanian Government and her current responsibilities as High Commissioner, she was able to present the problems and needs of the Arab world, which increasingly wants to have its say in the global scenario.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Roberta Lusardi, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN