AIMS OF THE CONFERENCE
The intention of the GLOBSEC 2007 conference is to open and initiate a broader discussion on the cooperative approach in addressing conflicts in the world. In the background of the past and current missions in the Balkans and the mission in Afghanistan, the conference aims to examine the effectiveness of broader international cooperation. In the light of the upcoming NATO enlargement and the possible resolution of the Kosovo issue, the intention of the conference is to evaluate and examine the state of the security situation in the Balkans and to explore the challenges the international community faces in the upcoming decade. In this respect, the aim of the conference is to draw lessons learned from past missions in the Balkans and to apply the success stories in current mission in Afghanistan. Focusing on the ability of the international community to address conflicts by cooperation, the comprehensive approach in Afghanistan is a vital test of effectiveness not only for NATO, but also for the broader international community.
Discussion Panel I.
International Community in the Balkans: Addressing Conflict through Cooperation
Being a weak point of Euro-Atlantic security, the Balkans has always been one of the most strategic areas of operations not only for NATO, but also for the European Union and other international organisations. The international organisations showed in many cases a cooperative approach in addressing the post-conflict resolution. That is why the Balkans represents a good “set of experience” which the international community has acquired. Once a powder keg, now a region hit by a new wave of enlargement, is about to integrate countries struck by war not so long ago. The first panel discusses the lessons learned from Balkan conflicts and will examine the ability of the international community to work together in post-conflict resolutions. The intention of this panel is to draw lessons learned from the cooperative approach and apply them for the challenges the international community faces today. Questions will be answered by representatives of countries, international organizations and institutions involved in the process of stabilization of the Balkans.
Discussion Panel II.
The Balkans in 2008: Where do we go from here? Challenges and Perspectives
In the light of the possible resolution of Kosovo issue and the upcoming NATO enlargement, the Balkans enters a new decade of development. Where do we stand regarding the security situation in Balkans? Are these challenges the last ones the international community is facing in this region? What is the situation in countries like Serbia, Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina? What is the situation in the Balkans at the beginning of 2008 in the eve of the NATO Bucharest summit? And where do we go from here? What challenges are still ahead of the international community in respect to the Balkans?
Keynote address:
Assisting Afghanistan: The importance of a comprehensive approach
Facing one of the world’s most demanding security and development challenges, Afghanistan is a vital test of the Alliance’s political will and military capabilities in a new security environment. The international community and NATO in particular, have learned that security is not a military matter alone: security without development is meaningless while development without security is unachievable. How to approach NATO’s comprehensive approach? How should international community handle its stabilisation and reconstruction efforts? And what is the way ahead?
Discussion Panel III.
Winning the War, Creating Peace: Security and development challenges in Afghanistan
The panel discussion will examine the opportunities lost in the past and apply identified lessons learned to security and development challenges laying ahead the international community. The following questions will work as guidelines of the discussion panel:
How long will NATO Allies’ political will for a long-term engagement in Afghanistan remain sustainable? What approach should be followed in order to avoid or overcome the harmful effects of the national caveats for ISAF and the Alliance? How much of development aid is really reaching the ground? How can Pakistan be persuaded to embark on tougher actions against the Taliban-led insurgency on its territory? How can the support of the local population be regained and the stability and reach of the central government in Afghanistan be strengthened?
Discussion Panel IV.
Today’s Capabilities in Tomorrow’s Operations: Improving the Military Tool Kit.
The last discussion panel will be focused on development of capabilities for current and future operations led by NATO or other partner organizations. One of very important aspects of NATO membership is also modernization, professionalization and transformation of armed forces in order to achieve their interoperability with those of other partners. The new security challenges demands new professional, modern, interoperable and highly mobile technology. How do the governments work together with defense companies in finding answers for the new security challenges? What are the technological needs of today’s operations, for example in Afghanistan? And what are the experiences from transformation in new member states?
LOGISTICS OF THE CONFERENCE
| Date | 17th January 2008 |
| Venue | The Congress Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Hlboká cesta 2, Bratislava |
| Organizers | Slovak Atlantic Commission and the Euro-Atlantic Center |
| Auspices | Mr. Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic (TBC) |
| Partners | MFA SR, NATO PDD, UNIS, MoD SR |
| Participants | Approximately 100 participants, in particular foreign and Slovak security experts, national and international policy makers, academics and media representatives |
| Languages | English (simultaneous interpretation into Slovak will be provided) |
