Conference on involvement of countries in the region in ISAF mission

The conference was organized by the George C. Marshall – Republic of Croatia Association, Office of the “Konrad Adenauer Stiftung” and the European Centre for Security Studies George C. Marshall from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Federal Republic of Germany.

The conference was opened by introductory lectures by dr. James MacDougall, Deputy Director of the European Centre for Security Studies George C. Marshall, Valentin Gescher from the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Reinhard Wiessel from the Office of “Konrad Adenauer Stiftung,” Živko Budimir, President of the BiH Federation and Zlatko Gareljić , Defence Advisor to the President.
Conference participants come from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia and from international organizations. Participants include representatives from the ministries of defence, the armed forces, other ministries, organizations for the provision of development assistance, and members of parliament.

Conference was attended by the State Secretary Pjer Šimunović, Director of the Military Academy Major General Mirko Šundov and Deputy Chief of General Staff for Operations Rear Admiral Zdenko Simičić.

The aim of the conference is to show the engagement of countries from the region in the ISAF mission with emphasis on numerical indicators, mandate, human resources, achievements and costs assessment, and outcomes. The conference provides an insight into the situation in Afghanistan since 2001 to 2011, with emphasis on lessons learned, and predictions for the period from 2011 by 2021. The conference discusses the role of countries from Southeast Europe in terms of achieved stabilization, reconstruction and development of state and society of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The conference offers an opportunity to exchange ideas and possible projects for South East Europe in the military and civilian sector.

The conference discusses the adaptation of the security system of a large number of countries in the new circumstances, asymmetric threats and other security threats. Participants deal with specific issues such as training of Afghan security forces and the role of countries of Southeast Europe and the challenges that arise in this training.

The conference takes place according to the model of facilitated plenary panels and moderating group discussions where participants exchange ideas and opinions. Conference ends on October 14.