NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme: sixty years old, still going strong
A special event was held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday (29 November 2018) to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Alliance’s leading initiative for science, innovation and research. The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme was created in 1958 to promote the training of scientists, encourage the sharing of knowledge, and build networks of experts.
The SPS Programme has grown into one of NATO’s major partnership tools, covering a wide range of issues, including cyber defence, responding to terrorism, and increasing energy security. Over the years it has created an international network of scientists and experts, and more than 20 Nobel Laureates are associated with the SPS Programme. Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said: “It is science that provides our understanding of emerging security challenges, and it’s science that will underpin our solutions.”
Scientists, diplomats and officials gathered at NATO headquarters to mark the sixtieth anniversary. Projects supported by the SPS Programme were on display, including a new remote controlled device that uses subsurface radar to detect mines and other explosives.
Sheikh Fawaz Al-Sabah of Kuwait and the Ambassadors to NATO from Italy, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Serbia gave speeches highlighting the benefits of the SPS Programme. Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Dr. Antonio Missiroli, closed the event saying: “Innovation is a buzz word at NATO these days, and I am convinced that the SPS Programme will play a front line role in NATO’s future, promoting peace through science, in the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, both for allies and their partners.”
Please click here to download the SPS 60th Anniversary Gala Booklet.