By Marc Johnson, Alumni Relations Specialist
College of International and Security Studies
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (June 7, 2021) — The Alumni Programs Department at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, in conjunction with the Marshall Center Alumni Association in Moldova, and the German and United States embassies in Chisinau, Moldova, conducted the second Moldova online alumni meeting for fiscal year 2021. This virtual event focused on “Developing the National Security Strategy.”

Forty-two alumni from multiple ministries in Moldova, along with the German Ambassador, and Marshall Center staff took part in the conference. In her opening remarks, Ambassador Angela Ganninger of Germany greeted the participants and provided an overview of the security challenges facing Moldova. 

Dr. Valbona Zeneli, chair of the Strategic Initiatives at the Marshall Center, spoke on the need for the new National Security Strategy to ensure civic resilience and national economic health. 

Marshall Center Professor Joe Vann observed that six years ago Moldova legacy issues primarily challenged the country, but now those challenges are mostly external and international. Vann also stated that the National Security Strategy must represent the interests of all citizens and not favor one political faction over another.

Six Moldova alumni spoke on creating a new National Security Strategy, all agreed that the direct input of civic society must be taken into its development. The Advisor to the President of the Republic of Moldova and Marshall Center alumna, Ana Revenco, stated that it is necessary to include the expertise of Marshall Center alumni in drafting the new National Security Strategy.

Alumni Relations Specialist Marc Johnson concluded the event by providing information on opportunities for Moldova alumni to remain engaged with Marshall Center programs.

Alumni can get the latest news and information from the Marshall Center by emailing their current contact info to: mcalumni [at] marshallcenter.org. Alumni can also follow the latest developments and gain access to networking and research resources through our GlobalNet online alumni portal https://globalnetplatform.org/gcmc.