Minister Nufi Highlights Investment in Knowledge, Professionalism and Leadership for National Security and Defence

A total of 75 officers from Albania and Kosovo have begun the new academic year in three professional courses at the Defense and Security College. Sixty-five of them are members of the Albanian Armed Forces, and ten are members of the Kosovo Security Force.
At the opening ceremony, Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi characterized professional military education as a direct investment in the future of the Armed Forces and in the enhancement of the nation’s defense capabilities.
“The people who lead, use, and develop any military capability are more powerful than it.” Therefore, Minister Nufi stated, “Investing in knowledge, professionalism, and leadership is one of the most critical investments we can make to ensure the security and defense of the Republic.”
The minister cited the Kosovo officers’ involvement in the programs as evidence of the enhanced Albania-Kosovo cooperation in the field of defense and security.
Nufi posits that the Armed Forces require leaders who possess the capacity to analyze, anticipate, cooperate, and make decisions in complex situations, in addition to technical knowledge, in a security environment that is rapidly changing and is confronted with hybrid and asymmetric threats, technological advancements, and cybersecurity challenges.
Nufi emphasized that professional military education is not a process that concludes with a course or diploma; rather, it is an integral component of the development of our defense capabilities.
The minister underscored the significance of establishing the Defense and Security College as an elite institution for professional military education, which will facilitate the transformation of the Armed Forces, enhance professionalism, and fortify interoperability with allies.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with allied and partner countries in the areas of hybrid threats, cyber defense, operational planning, leadership, and military transformation. This was achieved through the exchange of experience, the incorporation of best practices, and the participation of international lecturers and experts.
Preparations to inaugurate the Advanced Course on Security and Defense in March of next year are another significant development in this direction. The course is expected to attract a greater number of participants from NATO members, countries in the region, and beyond.
“Our objective is not merely to participate in the Alliance. Minister Nufi stated, “Our goal is to become a more capable, more prepared, and more contributing ally in addressing common challenges and collective security.”
The minister emphasized to the trainees that their responsibilities extend beyond the study program, as professional preparation is directly correlated with the capacity to lead, make decisions, and assume responsibility in the service of the country.
Nufi stated, “In uniform, professionalism is a responsibility; leadership is an example; and knowledge is fully appreciated only when it is applied to the nation.”
Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces; Major General Altin Kurti, Commander of the Defense and Security College; Skënder Durmishi, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Albania; and commanders, lecturers, instructors, and other guests were in attendance at the ceremony.