NATO Conference of Commandants to Meet in Washington

Mapping the Future of National Security Leadership Education

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National Defense University -- Coinciding with the 75^th anniversary year of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, the 53^rd NATO Conference of Commandants (CoC) will meet for the first time in the United States. The Rome-based NATO Defense College (NDC) and the National Defense University (NDU) will co-host this annual conference at the NDU campus on Fort McNair, in Washington D.C from May 7-10, 2024.     

The Conference aims to unite leaders from senior defense education institutions from NATO member countries and NATO partner countries, alongside key international institutions such as the Baltic Defense College, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, G5 Sahel Defence College, European Security and Defense College, and representatives from select NATO bodies. Conference activities include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and syndicated break-out sessions. Through these events, participants will explore the future of national security leadership education, exchange knowledge, share experiences, and identify opportunities for enhanced cooperation across their diverse educational programs.

Since its inception in 1972, the annual NATO CoC has been a cornerstone of collaboration in the realm of strategic education. Conference topics are chosen to address the evolving challenges faced by the Alliance. Educating and training military officers and civilian officials is key to equipping them to face such challenges. The 2024 theme, "Developing Leaders for the Next 75 Years of the Alliance," will explore the future of leadership within NATO and Partner nations.

This year's CoC will jumpstart conversations and engagement between senior NATO and NATO Partner representatives, military experts, and thought leaders. By listening to panel discussions and keynote speeches and participating in interactive sessions, attendees will explore the essential skills and insights needed for navigating tomorrow's strategic challenges.

Keynote speakers include Gen Charles Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Lt Gen (Ret.) Mary F. O'Brien, former Director of Command, Control, Communications and Computer/Cyber, and Chief Information Officer, J6, Joint Staff, and current principal of Mary O'Brien Strategies; Dr. Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Executive Chairman of Google; and Vice Admiral Guy Robinson, Chief of Staff of NATO Allied Command Transformation.