MONS, Belgium – As the NATO Military Strategic Partnership Conference (MSPC) 2025 concluded in Doha, Qatar on Apr. 10, 2025, the overarching message was one of unity through cooperation.
From high-level strategic dialogues to intimate bilateral sessions, from educational partnerships to technology sharing, every aspect of the conference reinforced the notion that no nation can confront today’s security challenges alone.
This year’s conference provided a key opportunity for NATO officials and partner nations to pursue specific defence collaborations and turn talks on areas of mutual interest into tangible initiatives.
Key conference outcomes were:
- Mutual recognition of geo-strategic challenges and the benefits of partnership in working towards solutions;
- A strong commitment from Partner Nations to advance cooperation with NATO;
- Increased participation in NATO exercises;
- Increased requests for opportunities to develop and train partner land, maritime, air and Special Operations Forces in NATO standards.
Focusing on building the capacity of partner militaries through education and training, the conference highlighted NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), which provides tailored support to countries to develop their professional military academies. This includes updating teaching materials, training and mentoring staff on modern teaching methods, and guiding institutional reforms to align with international best practices. DEEP also supports the development of professional Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) corps in partner militaries, recognising the vital role of well-trained NCOs in a modern force.
Another highlight of the conference was an extensive NATO Centres of Excellence (COE) exhibition, which offered partner nations a first-hand look at NATO’s specialised expertise and training resources. Mirroring similar showcases in past conferences, the exhibition featured displays from many of the Alliance’s accredited COEs – institutions that focus on areas such as concept development, cyber defence, peace support operations, military medicine, and more. The exhibition allowed delegates from partner nations to connect with COE representatives, opening doors for future training opportunities, technical assistance, and collaborative research. This hands-on engagement with NATO’s centres of excellence is building practical cooperation, helping partners tap into NATO’s knowledge networks to strengthen their own capacities.
Panel discussions over the four-day event delved into common scientific and technological challenges – such as cyber defence, counter-terrorism, and maritime security - underscoring how innovation is being harnessed to improve collective readiness. Participants examined advancements in areas like cyber defence tools, intelligence-sharing platforms, and other new technologies aimed at detecting and countering modern threats, including NATO’s latest initiatives - improved cyber coordination mechanisms and experimental projects in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Incorporating such technologies across allied and partner forces will enhance interoperability and allow for a more synchronised response to crises. The emphasis on tech also extended to training: NATO’s adoption of advanced simulators and e-learning demonstrates how modern tools are strengthening education and joint exercises.
Overall, MSPC 2025 conveyed that staying ahead of the curve on emerging technology is a shared priority and a key bonding force for the alliance and its partners. By investing in innovation together, NATO and partner nations aim to sharpen their collective capabilities and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.
Speaking to delegates at the closing speech, Deputy Chief of Staff, Partnerships Directorate, Rear Admiral Gunnstein Bruåsdal said, “The security challenges we face transcend borders, but in the face of such challenges, our strength lies in our unity. This conference has served as a vital platform for aligning efforts, exchanging ideas, and reinforcing our partnerships. Our collective expertise and commitment are the foundations of which we can build a safer, more secure world."
By reinforcing trust, aligning objectives, and spurring tangible collaborations, MSPC 2025 has once again cemented the value of strategic partnerships in safeguarding global peace and stability.