Closing of the 19th session of the HSSD: outcome and celebration of 20 years of training

On 20 and 21 June 2025, the auditors of the 19th session of the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) took part in the tenth and final seminar of the course. The two days were rich in reflection and knowledge sharing, but also in emotion.

HSSD: twenty years of excellence in the service of decision-makers

Launched in 2005 by the Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID), the HSSD programme trains each year a select group of senior officers, senior civil servants, diplomats and private sector executives in global strategic issues. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this training combines lectures, field visits, case studies and group exercises. It also promotes the creation of a solid network between actors in the fields of security, defence and diplomacy.

A final seminar: combining synthesis and anticipation

On Friday 20 June, the auditors gathered in Brussels for a closing session marked by several presentations:

• Ms Ester Natus, Federal Prosecutor, gave a presentation on evidence gathering in war zones, a topic at the crossroads of international law, ethics and military operations.
• Medical General Erwin Dhondt challenged the audience with a provocative question: ‘Is health really on the agenda of our military leaders?’, thus launching a debate on the health preparedness of the armed forces.

Graduation and official ceremony in the presence of the Minister of Defence

On Saturday 21 June, the closing ceremony of the 19th session was held. It was also the 20th anniversary ceremony of the Higher Security and Defence Studies (the Covid class having been spread over two years).
It was an opportunity to bring together alumni, speakers and generals from Defence for an exceptional ceremony, opened by Rear Admiral UH Baudouin Coppieters de Gibson, Director General of the RHID.
Mr Yvan De Mesmaeker MSc Eng, Secretary General of ATHENA (the HSSD alumni association), then gave an inspiring speech on the founding values of the programme: coniungo, cogito and protego (unite, reflect and protect).
Defence Minister Theo Francken, a regular speaker of this training programme, honoured us with his presence and led the academic session with a powerful message on Belgium’s role in NATO.
Finally, Mr Pol De Witte, Honorary Ambassador and Director General of the Egmont Institute, gave a closing speech highlighting the impact of the HSSD on the national and international scene.
After the official presentation of certificates to the auditors, a collective retrospective of the session was presented by the participants.

Article : 20 ans hautes études de sécurité et défense, Major Luk Sanders
Artikel : 20 jaar Hoge studies veiligheid en defensie, Majoor Luk Sanders

Another generation ready to take on the challenges of the world

This 19th graduating class leaves the High Studies for Security and Defence with a stronger vision, tools for analysing geopolitical dynamics and a network of trusted contacts. It continues a programme of excellence that, for 20 years, has helped to train the critical minds and decision-makers who will shape the security of tomorrow.
Read all our articles on previous seminars and discover the highlights of this 19th session: Session 2024-2025.

See you in September for the 20th session of the HSSD.