{"id":8685,"date":"2025-05-26T13:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T12:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsite.ndc.nato.int\/?p=8685"},"modified":"2025-06-11T10:43:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T09:43:43","slug":"71st_anciens_seminar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/fr\/71st_anciens_seminar\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cSustaining preparedness in the long run\u201d &#8211; the 71st edition of the NDC Anciens\u2019 Conference &amp; Seminar"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">The NATO Defense College (NDC) hosted the 71st Anciens\u2019 Conference and Seminar from 21 to 23 May 2025, welcoming former Course Members who attended the College at some point since its founding. This event provided an opportunity for Anciens to reconnect with their peers, as well as with faculty and staff from their time at the NDC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"892\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jT4u0Iqmfz0?si=boM0brBgWsCl6Xop\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; controls=0;  gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns eplus-wrapper is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex eplus-styles-uid-ad9f6f\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column eplus-wrapper is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">In light of the need for a more enduring, resilient, and a stronger NATO, this year\u2019s Seminar focused on the following theme: \u201cSustaining Preparedness in the Long Run\u201d. Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, NDC Commandant and President of the Anciens\u2019 Association, opened the Seminar by emphasizing that while cherishing the past is important, the time has come to look ahead and consider how we can work together to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-slider  root-eb-slider-xqvtb\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-slider-xqvtb\"><div class=\"eb-slider-wrapper eb-slider-xqvtb\" data-blockid=\"eb-slider-xqvtb\" data-version=\"v4\" data-settings=\"eyJhcnJvd3MiOnRydWUsImFkYXB0aXZlSGVpZ2h0Ijp0cnVlLCJhdXRvcGxheSI6ZmFsc2UsImF1dG9wbGF5U3BlZWQiOjMwMDAsImRvdHMiOnRydWUsImZhZGUiOmZhbHNlLCJpbmZpbml0ZSI6dHJ1ZSwicGF1c2VPbkhvdmVyIjp0cnVlLCJzbGlkZXNUb1Nob3ciOjEsInNwZWVkIjo4MDAsInZlcnRpY2FsIjpmYWxzZSwiY3VycmVudFNsaWRlIjowLCJydGwiOmZhbHNlLCJyZXNwb25zaXZlIjpbeyJicmVha3BvaW50IjoxMDI1LCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJzbGlkZXNUb1Nob3ciOjF9fSx7ImJyZWFrcG9pbnQiOjc2Nywic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsic2xpZGVzVG9TaG93IjoxfX1dfQ==\" data-arrownexticon=\"fas fa-chevron-right\" data-arrowprevicon=\"fas fa-chevron-left\" data-lightbox=\"false\"><div class=\"eb-slider-init eb-slider-type-content\"><div class=\"eb-slider-item content-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_1_2.jpg\"><div><img class=\"eb-slider-image\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_1_2.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-content align-left\"><p class=\"eb-slider-title\"> Keynote address by General Frederik VANSINA, Belgian Chief of Defence <\/p><p class=\"eb-slider-subtitle\">Essential Blocks Slider Subtitle<\/p><div class=\"eb-slider-button-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-item content-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg\"><div><img class=\"eb-slider-image\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-content align-left\"><p class=\"eb-slider-title\"> Spanish Chief of Defence Admiral Teodoro L\u00f3pez Calder\u00f3n receives the Distinguished Anciens Award from NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen <\/p><p class=\"eb-slider-subtitle\">Essential Blocks Slider Subtitle<\/p><div class=\"eb-slider-button-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-item content-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_2_0.jpg\"><div><img class=\"eb-slider-image\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_2_0.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-content align-left\"><p class=\"eb-slider-title\"> NDC Dean Dr Suzanne Nielsen chairs the Annual Meeting of the Secretaries of the National Associations <\/p><p class=\"eb-slider-subtitle\">Essential Blocks Slider Subtitle<\/p><div class=\"eb-slider-button-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-item content-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_4_0.jpg\"><div><img class=\"eb-slider-image\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_4_0.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-content align-left\"><p class=\"eb-slider-title\"> Ms Nancy Vellone passed on her responsibilities as the Anciens\u2019 Executive Committee Secretary to Colonel Milan Jankura <\/p><p class=\"eb-slider-subtitle\">Essential Blocks Slider Subtitle<\/p><div class=\"eb-slider-button-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-item content-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_16_0.jpg\"><div><img class=\"eb-slider-image\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_16_0.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-content align-left\"><p class=\"eb-slider-title\"> Plenary discussion with Lecturer Christian Lif\u00e4nder, Head of the Defence Policy Section, NATO HQ, Mr Thomas Richter from the German Investment Funds Assocation &#038; Dr Julien Malizard, Chair, Economics of Defence, IHEDN, moderated by Dr Olesya Vinhas de Souza <\/p><p class=\"eb-slider-subtitle\">Essential Blocks Slider Subtitle<\/p><div class=\"eb-slider-button-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-item content-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_5_0.jpg\"><div><img class=\"eb-slider-image\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_5_0.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-content align-left\"><p class=\"eb-slider-title\"> Senior Course Members from SC144 and SC145 attending the 71st Anciens Conference and Seminar <\/p><p class=\"eb-slider-subtitle\">Essential Blocks Slider Subtitle<\/p><div class=\"eb-slider-button-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-item content-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_15_0.jpg\"><div><img class=\"eb-slider-image\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_15_0.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"eb-slider-content align-left\"><p class=\"eb-slider-title\"> NDC Anciens listening to NDC Commandant LGEN Max A.L.T. Nielsen during the 71st Anciens Conference &#038; Seminar <\/p><p class=\"eb-slider-subtitle\">Essential Blocks Slider Subtitle<\/p><div class=\"eb-slider-button-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Belgian Chief of Defence, General Frederik Vansina, a 2012 Senior Course alumnus, delivered the keynote address. He underscored that NATO is at a historic turning point, requiring a shift from reactive to proactive preparedness. Belgium, like all Allies, must provide for national and collective defence by ensuring that it is sustainable, credible, and focused on burden shifting and industrial resilience. The Chief of Defence urged European nations to step up, stressing that rebalancing the transatlantic partnership demands greater responsibility. 2% of GDP is not a ceiling, but a floor, he added. Preparedness in the long run is not about anticipating the last war, but about preparing for the unknowable future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Following the keynote address, a panel discussion moderated by Dr Olesya Vinhas de Souza, Researcher at the NDC Research Division, offered further insights into the current challenges for the Alliance. Next to lecturer Mr Christian Lifl\u00e4nder, Head of the Defence Policy Section at NATO Headquarters, panellists included Mr Thomas Richter, of the German Investment Funds Association, and Dr Julien Malizard, Chair, Economics of Defence at the French Institut des hautes \u00e9tudes de d\u00e9fense nationale (IHEDN). During the plenary discussion, the experts reflected on enhanced industry cooperation, on adapting to evolving threats, and on increased defence spending by Allies, addressing questions from participants. Anciens were also given the opportunity to join Senior Course 146 for a lecture on the South Caucasus, examining the strategic challenges and opportunities of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Every year, the Anciens\u2019 Conference and Seminar also features the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Anciens\u2019 Association and the Annual Meeting of Secretaries of the National Associations. During the AGM, Honorary Anciens and Distinguished Anciens are nominated and awarded a diploma for outstanding contributions to the NATO Defense College or the Alliance. This year, Spanish Chief of Defence Admiral Teodoro L\u00f3pez Calder\u00f3n \u2013 present during the AGM \u2013 and General Dimitrios Choupis were honoured as Distinguished Anciens. The title of Honorary Anciens was awarded to Lieutenant General (Ret.) Antonio Li Gobbi and Admiral Rob Bauer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">At the close of the 71st Seminar, the Anciens\u2019 Executive Committee Secretary role changed hands. After four years, Ms Nancy Vellone, former NDC Faculty Advisor and Ancien of both the Senior Course and NATO Regional Cooperation Course, passed on her responsibilities. She described the Anciens community as a great family that \u201c<em>not only keeps members connected but also plays a vital role in spreading the NATO and NDC message worldwide<\/em>\u201d. The position was taken over by Colonel Milan Jankura, NDC Faculty Advisor, and also a former Course Member. He feels \u201c<em>privileged to hold this role in such a distinguished Association<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, the NDC Anciens\u2019 Association comprises around 9,000 former Course and Staff Members, organized into 25 National Associations. Many of these individuals hold or have held high-level national and international positions, demonstrating the College\u2019s significant role in offering top-tier strategic education to current and future leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">NDC Public Affairs Office<br>(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Next<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NATO Defense College (NDC) hosted the 71st Anciens\u2019 Conference and Seminar from 21 to 23 May 2025,<\/p>","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8697,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","editor_plus_copied_stylings":"{}","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[30],"post_badge":[],"class_list":["post-8685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-news","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Britt Melinga","author_link":""},"modified_by":"NDC Public Affairs Office","author_meta":{"display_name":"Britt Melinga","author_link":""},"featured_img":"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0-300x170.jpg","featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg",775,440,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0-300x170.jpg",300,170,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0-768x436.jpg",640,363,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg",640,363,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg",775,440,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg",775,440,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0-18x10.jpg",18,10,true],"morenews-featured":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg",775,440,false],"morenews-large":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0.jpg",775,440,false],"morenews-medium":["https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/146-71stAnciensSeminar_7_0-590x410.jpg",590,410,true]},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/fr\/category\/news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">News<\/a>","tag_info":"News","comment_count":0,"coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/fr\/category\/news\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">News<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">News<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/fr\/category\/news\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">News<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">News<\/span>"]}},"relative_dates":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 1 an il y a","modified":"Mis \u00e0 jour 1 an il y a"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 le mai 26, 2025","modified":"Mise \u00e0 jour le juin 11, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 le mai 26, 2025 13:45","modified":"Mise \u00e0 jour le juin 11, 2025 10:43"},"featured_img_caption":" Spanish Chief of Defence Admiral Teodoro L\u00f3pez Calder\u00f3n receives the Distinguished Anciens Award from NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. 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