Azrieli Pavilion: room 132 Carleton University, Ottawa

Theme: The strength of NATO is formed by the efforts of each individual member state. As a founding member, the Netherlands is proud to contribute to the most successful Alliance in history since 1949. By investing 2% of our GDP in our collective deterrence and defence; by proactively partaking in NATO operations and missions and; by proudly hosting one of NATO’s operational headquarters in the Netherlands. As a founding member of both NATO and the EU and host of multiple international organizations concerning international peace and security for over a hundred years and host of one of NATO’s operational headquarters, the Netherlands is a proactive advocate for international security. However, it is also important to not close your eyes from shifts in the geopolitical spectrum that impact these alliances. To assess current affairs, it is important to connect three stakeholders: diplomats, scholars and students.

0830 Arrival  Doors open, coffee and chat

0900 Opening remarks and welcome

• Dr. Steve Saideman, Director of the CDSN

0930 Ambassador Remarks: 

• Witold Dzielski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada

• Margriet Vonno,Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ottawa

1000 Academic Subject Matter Expert Panel

• Dr. Frédéric Mérand (University of Montreal)

• Dr. Stéfanie Von Hlatky (Queenès University)

• Dr. Aaron Ettinger (Carleton University)

Moderated by Robert Baines, President of the NATO Association of Canada.

1030 Discussion with audience questions

1130 Closing Remarks: Hannah Christensen and Dr. Steve Saideman