Young professionals from the NATO Field School participate in simulation exercise at the NDC
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From 29 May to 1 June 2023, a group of 45 young professionals from the NATO Field School and Simulation Program (organized by Simon Fraser University) visited the NATO Defense College. They completed an intensive four-day simulation called the Negotiation, Mediation, and Decision-Making Exercise (NMDX).
The NMDX crisis management exercise is also used at NATO HQ for training staff. It enables participants to gain a better grasp of the Alliance’s organization and functioning in crisis management situations. The aim is to develop a practical understanding of the dynamics in multinational consensus-building mediation, and of the decision-making processes that form part of the overall NATO Crisis Management Process.
“My experience as a designated Secretary General provided a broad look into negotiation processes, which was enriching and useful in developing skills that will be beneficial to future career paths,” said Nicolas Lepchuk, a Master’s student from the University of Calgary. “The mock North Atlantic Council and press conference were especially interesting as they provided practical experience that can only be found through the NMDX course,” he added.
The students excelled, learning to seek consensus while also championing their assigned national positions.
They were guided by the Field School’s senior mentors: Mr Ted Whiteside (former acting NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General) from Canada, Lt. Gen. Jo Godderij (former Director of the NATO International Military Staff) from the Netherlands, and Mr Ilay Ferrier (former Director of NATO’s Crisis Response Systems) from the United Kingdom.
George Cade, one of the Field School students, shared that “the expert advice and mentorship we received was invaluable.”
During their time at the NDC, the Field School young professionals also received briefings from Dr Florence Gaub, Director of the Research Division, and Brigadier General René Leitgen, Director of the Academic Plans, Policy, and Engagement Division.
The exercise was part of Simon Fraser University’s “NATO Field School and Simulation Program”. Open to university students across all NATO member states, this program provides participants with an opportunity to observe professionals and experts in their working environment and to understand the decision-making processes of experts in the political, diplomatic and military fields.