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In partnership with the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative, the Elliott School of International Affairs will host a full-day event series highlighting its renewed Memorandum of Understanding with NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT). The program brings together students, practitioners and experts to explore key facets of NATO’s and ACT's agendas.
Please note that in-person seating is first come first serve.
The first 4 segments will comprise a mixed audience of GW students and outside practitioners.
Session 1. 09:00-10:45 EST
Seminar on NATO's innovation policy, emerging-disruptive tech & outreach to private sector
Speakers:
- Veronika Bartakova, NATO Innovation Fund (remote)
- Nora Malchin, Section Head, Innovation Hub, Allied Command Transformation the NATO Innovation Fund
- Katie Wheelbarger, Vice President for Global Programs & Policy, Lockheed Martin
Session 2. 11:00-11:45 EST
Presentation of the 2025 NATO Secretary-General Annual Report
Speaker:
- Ruben Diaz-Plaja, Head, Policy Planning Unit, Office of the Secretary-General, NATO (remote)
Respondent & moderator:
- LeAnne Noelani Howard, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Security Initiative, Atlantic Council; former Special Advisor for NATO, National Security Council (in-Person)
Session 3. 12:00-12:30 EST
keynote with Deputy SACEUR Air Chief Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer (remote) - "European leadership in a rebalanced NATO"
Respondent & moderator:
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Torrey Taussig, Director, Transatlantic Security Initiative, Atlantic Council; former Director for European Affairs, National Security Council (in-Person)
Session 4. 12:30-13:30 EST
Panel of former U.S. Ambassadors to NATO and former SACEURs on their recent joint statement in support of NATO
Speakers:
- Former SACEUR Gen. (ret.) Philip Breedlove (remote)
- Amb. Douglas Lute
- Amb. Julianne Smith
- Amb Kurt Volker
Remainder of the program restricted to GWU students
Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
Session 5. 13:45-15:45 EST
Student workshop with ACT's Strategic Foresight team
Session 6. 15:45-16:00 EST
NATO career information session
Speaker:
- Silvia Guerlixa, Acting Civilian Human Resources Manager, ACT
Respondents:
- David Cattler, former Assistant Secretary-General for Intelligence and Security
- Ernest Herold, former Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Defense Investment.
Students, in case the event conflicts with classes in which you are enrolled, we will look to reach an accommodation with your professors in support of your participation.
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