Brunssum, The Netherlands – On 21st June, Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) hosted the Manfred Wörner Seminar for an introduction to NATO.
Manfred Wörner (1934 – 1994) was a German politician and diplomat. He served as the Minister of Defence of West Germany between 1982 and 1988 and as the seventh Secretary General of NATO from 1988 until 1994.
The seminar in his name started in 1982 and ever since has brought together young executives from Germany, the United States and a range of European countries on a bi-annual basis under the motto of, "talking with one another, not about one another – committed to dialogue."
Delegates have the opportunity to examine German and European security policy, and discuss security topics, while deepening and consolidating the dialogue between European and transatlantic partners. The programme includes briefings from senior leaders and visits to security policy institutions, such as JFCBS.
The June 2022 Seminar comprises a group of around 30 young executives from 12 nations, who came to learn about the Headquarters' tasks and responsibilities. As well as briefings from senior staff, delegates participated in a panel discussion with representatives of the HQ on a range of issues related to NATO deterrence.
Topics included NATO's reinforcement of the Eastern Flank of the Alliance, as well as the changing security implications of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
Seminar delegates expressed their appreciation for the insight gained into one of NATO's three Operational Commands. The next stop on their tour will be a visit to NATO HQ in Brussels.