On 9th June, the NATO Defense College (NDC) had the honour to inaugurate the third Senior Executive Regional Conference (SERC 3) in Rome.
The Course, addressed to NATO member states as well as Partner countries in the Mediterranean and Gulf regions, once again brings together a distinguished group of participants: ambassadors, senior military officers, diplomats, decision-makers and influential thinkers.
The aim is to promote mutual understanding on issues related to the Mediterranean and the Gulf, to enhance knowledge of current security challenges to the Alliance and its partners, and to allow participants to familiarize themselves with current and prospective issues facing NATO.
For this intensive and challenging week of study, dialogue and open discussion on strategic issues of particular relevance to international security, participants were welcomed by NDC Commandant LtGen Arne Bård Dalhaug (NOR A), NDC Dean Dr Daria Daniels Skodnik (SVN C), and NDC Middle East Faculty Director Col Giuseppe Morabito (ITA A).
In his welcoming remarks, the Commandant explained that, within the overall context of the NDC’s academic activities, the SERC has been created thanks to the efforts of the resident academic staff – in particular, of the Middle East Faculty – and the specific expertise gained over the last six years through the organization of the NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC).
The keynote speaker on the opening day was Gen (ret.) John R. Allen (USA A), Former ISAF Commander, who gave a comprehensive speech, focused on the evolving USA involvement in the Middle East Peace Process and the interconnected challenges in that region. The afternoon speech was provided by Mr Nicola De Santis, Head Middle East and North Africa Section, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division at the NATO HQ.
During the week, Course Members will be addressed by other distinguished experts in multiple panels and discussion sessions, examining a range of current challenges.
The Senior Executive Regional Conference (SERC) was launched in September 2012, mirroring the format of the twice-yearly GFOAC (Generals, Flag Officers and Ambassadors’ Course). This Course is addressed to high-level military and civilian officials from NATO and its partner countries across the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region.
The aim of this intensive week of study is to:
- promote mutual understanding on issues related to the regions concerned, allowing a select group of senior individuals to meet in an open framework;
- provide a high-level forum for exchange of views on strategic matters involving the Alliance and these regions;
- contribute to enhancing knowledge of the Alliance and its role as a potential and effective actor at the service of common security.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Monica Fornari, ITA C)
NATO Defense College 