Remarks

Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests, good afternoon!

What an honour and a pleasure to welcome you all to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our Science for Peace and Security programme in this brand new NATO headquarters

Let us remember sixty years ago… this might be a stretch of imagination for some of us, perhaps most of us... In 1958, NASA was created in the United States. We heard earlier on that the first communication satellite was launched into orbit. The ‘sputnik moment’ has become a metaphor for epochal change.

1958 was the year we invented remote control and microchip. You will soon see in the exhibition what our scientists are inventing today, and what SPS is contributing to innovation.

Something you may not know… 1958 was also the year Elvis Presley was assigned to the first medium tank battalion in Friedberg – Germany, then part of us-NATO forces stationed in West Germany.

Today the original NATO science programme, now known as the SPS programme, has become one of the key features of NATO partnerships. Beyond the well-established network of scientists, the programme successfully reached out (360-degree) to partner countries in the east, in the south, as well as to global partners for non-military practical cooperation - building bridges and fostering partnerships.

Today we gathered to celebrate this success story - our success and that of our predecessors. Being associated with SPS, we have all contributed at our own level - be it as an ambassador, project director and co-director, evaluator, national representative in the PCSC, or as NATO staff member.

Let me take the opportunity to thank you all for your contribution and commitment over the years.

It is indeed a privilege to be standing in front of you today to show-case the uniqueness of this programme and its success – your success - in adapting over the past six decades.

Just like NATO itself, SPS has proven its adaptability to the ever changing security environment, closely following allied political agendas and NATO’s strategic objectives.

The SPS programme has also adapted to evolving partnership priorities. Its activities have been tailored to the needs of partners, in terms of capacity-building, technological innovation and involvement of civil society.

It has been a win-win for allies and partners alike. All SPS activities have contributed to fostering peace, resilience and preparedness – both in NATO partner countries and inside the alliance.

Allow me to mention a few recent examples as we celebrate today.

Last year we welcomed the completion of the SPS-funded counter-improvised explosive devices training in Iraq. This project made a valuable contribution to stabilizing post-ISIS Iraq, and to the operational preparedness and performance of the Iraqi armed forces in the fight against terrorism.

Let me give you a couple more examples: the SPS programme actively contributed to projecting stability, i.a. By inaugurating a cyber defence facility in Jordan, and supporting the development of a national action plan on women peace and security in Moldova.

As part of the NATO comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine, the SPS programme funded the development of a multinational telemedicine system, which was recently live-tested during the latest EADRCC exercise in Serbia.

I cannot omit to mention the NATO-ICI Regional Center in Kuwait where SPS developed and delivered a comprehensive advanced training package, covering areas such as CBRN response, cyber defence, and energy security.

As you can see, the examples are numerous and it is hard to pick and choose, but let me finally name (and praise) the standex projects, aimed at remotely detecting explosives devices in public spaces and preventing suicide attacks.

Time and again, when I travel to partner countries, I also hear of SPS activities in terms of their support provided to young scientists and their high public diplomacy value, making NATO visible and tangible for local populations and different audiences.

I simply cannot do justice to all the great projects delivered by the SPS programme.

Indeed, beyond its uniqueness and adaptability, it remains a vibrant programme with currently 120 projects fully funded, involving all NATO Allies and over thirty partner countries, from Bogotá̀ to wellington and from Nouakchott to Chișinău.

Let me finally stress that SPS is not only about its past and present achievements. It is a dynamic programme, fit for purpose and science at NATO is also about the future.

Most people after 60 start slowing down looking at retirement – not SPS! 60 years is the new 40, a combination of maturity and strength, experience and innovation!

Innovation is indeed a key word at NATO these days, and i am convinced that the SPS programme will play a key role in NATO’s future endeavours, promoting peace through science in a the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, for both allies and their partners.

Thank you!