International Week in Kyiv – 10 Edition, Kyiv (Ukraine)

The KYIV Week 2010 began on Monday 8 February at the Ukrainian National Defense Academy, where a delegation from the NATO Defense College was welcomed by the UNDA Commandant, General RADETSKIY.

The NDC delegation, comprising 14 Officers and Officials and led by Lieutenant General Wolf Dieter LOESER, Commandant of NATO Defense College, represents the three main areas, the three pillars of the College: Education, Research and Outreach.

During his opening remarks, Lieutenant General LOESER underlined the importance of the KYIV Week in establishing common ground in the educational field which, apart from the tactical and operational aspects, represents the most important example of cooperation between NATO and Ukraine.

Operational procedures can never be thoroughly understood or improved without knowledge of each other, without opening our minds to different cultures and perspectives: this process of mutual understanding has to be established at the very beginning of a military career, at the very time a new Country takes its first steps on the international stage.

During the KYIV week, the students of the Ukrainian Defense College, with the help of the participating NDC Faculty Advisors, will gain a deep insight into the NATO environment. In addition, they will hear outstanding lectures on NATO issues delivered by experts, the aim being to provide both a military and civilian perspective on the new challenges which NATO will face in the near future.

Specifically, the theme for the 2010 KYIV Week is "NATO- Developing a New Strategic Concept", and it will allow the NDC delegation to provide UNDA students with information about a very sensitive and topical issue.

During the week, non-military students attending the Diplomatic Academy will join the Course for the first time ever, thus giving a clear sign of Ukraine's commitment to cooperation with NATO.

Because of the local media's strong interest in the KYIV Week, Lieutenant General Wolf Dieter LOESER will give several interviews to Ukrainian newspapers and television, answering questions on the NDC's educational methods, the results achieved in ten years of cooperation with the UNDA and future plans to enhance this cooperation.

NATO's support for Senior Military Education in Ukraine was launched on 28th January 2000, when Mr. Kuzmuk, the Ukrainian Defence Minister, met the then NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, and they agreed to run an international course at the Ukrainian National Defence Academy in Kyiv.

With a range of educational activities at the Ukrainian National Defense Academy, official meetings with local authorities and ambassadors from NATO countries, and press conferences with the local and international media, the NDC delegation is fully engaged in its aim of establishing close cooperation with its Ukrainian partners.

High level speakers such as H.E. Mr. Pavol HAMZIK,the Slovakian Ambassador in Kyiv, Mr. Martin HOWARD, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations-, and Dr.Grigoriy PEREPELYTSIA, the Director of the Ukrainian Diplomatic Academy, gave detailed information about NATO to the students of the Ukrainian National Defence Academy.

Lieutenant General Wolf Dieter LOESER, Commandant of the NATO Defense College, who personally chaired a committee composed of Ukrainian senior officers, expressed his satisfaction with the lively interest showed by the students during a challenging Q&A period.

The participating NATO Defense College Faculty Advisors are encouraging debate among the students to cultivate in them the ability to exchange their views and reach consensus in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Both the public and private Ukrainian television channels are highlighting the 10th Anniversary of the Kyiv Week and broadcasting the interviews with Lt. Gen. LOESER in prime time.