Stimson’s Strengthening NATO’s Ability to Protect project organized a series of virtual workshops from December 14-17 to bolster the exchange among leaders within the NATO context and experts on the protection of civilians (PoC). Since the adoption of the NATO Policy on the Protection of Civilians at the Warsaw Summit in 2016, NATO has made significant progress in implementing actions to advance the Alliance’s capacity to protect civilians. Outside experts, academics, NGOs, and practitioners have deepened their understanding of civilian harm’s dynamics and developed ideas to improve and implement strategies to protect civilians. This expert discussion aimed to capture that progress and understand what lies ahead, particularly in the context of the NATO 2030 process and future conflicts.

The closed-door, invitation-only workshop was held across four days. Sessions included presentations, discussions, and breakout groups on key issues related to the protection of civilians in future NATO operations. Topics included NATO’s progress to date in implementing its PoC policy, recognizing current and future strategic and operational challenges, honing research needs, and identifying opportunities to strengthen implementation of and innovations in PoC. 

The first day of the conference was recorded and can be viewed below. To view the conference’s full program and speaker list, please see the attached agenda. 

If you would like more information about the conference or this project, please contact [email protected].

Day One: NATO & The Future of Protection of Civilians – Featured Speakers: 

  • Victoria K. Holt, Vice President, Stimson Center (Moderator)
  • Ambassador Marriët Schuurman, Director Stabilisation and Humanitarian Aid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands
  • Ambassador David Angell, Permanent Representative to NATO, Canada
  • Captain Panagiotis Papageorgiou, Branch Head, NATO Allied Command Transformation
  • Rachel Grimes MBE, Liaison Officer to the UN, ICRC and NGOs, NATO Allied Command Transformation
  • Marla Keenan, Non-Resident Fellow, Stimson Center (Closing Remarks)

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