WELCOME TO ALLIED COMMAND TRANSFORMATION

NATO's Strategic Warfare Development Command

NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation at Lennart Meri Conference

May 17, 2024

General Philippe Lavigne, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, addressed the prestigious Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, Estonia this week. This annual gathering of security experts and policymakers provides a platform for frank discussions on critical regional and global foreign and security issues, with a particular focus on Northern and Eastern Europe.

The theme for the 2024 conference, “Let Us Not Despair, But Act,” highlights the urgent need for action in a world facing multiple security challenges. The war in Ukraine, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and a rising Indo-Pacific power struggle all demand a proactive and coordinated response from the West.

General Lavigne’s participation underscores the importance of the Lennart Meri Conference in fostering dialogue and shaping strategies for a complex security environment. He joined a panel discussion titled “Back to the Future: The Emergence of a New Arms Race,” a timely topic considering the rapid development of new military technologies and the intensifying competition between the West, Russia, and China.

The Lennart Meri Conference is known for its open and free atmosphere, encouraging frank exchanges on critical issues. The conference acknowledges current global challenges and emphasizes the importance of action and resilience in the face of adversity. Drawing inspiration from John F. Kennedy’s call to action, they invite participants to consider how best to respond to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, ensure continued support for Ukraine’s defence efforts and Euro-Atlantic integration, and reinforce the collective security of the West.

The 2024 Lennart Meri Conference is a crucial forum for addressing the most pressing security challenges facing the West. General Lavigne’s presence at the conference adds a vital perspective to these discussions. As the leader of NATO’s strategic warfare development command, he is at the forefront of efforts to modernize the Alliance’s capabilities and adapt to evolving threats. His insights are invaluable to policymakers and security experts attending the conference, and will undoubtedly pave the way for a more unified and strategically prepared NATO in the years to come.