The 5th International Conference Challenges to National Defence in the Contemporary Geopolitical Situation (CNDCGS 2026) opened at the University of Defence on Tuesday, 8 September. The main objective of the conference is to provide a platform for sharing the latest knowledge, experience and analyses related to national defence in the context of current geopolitical developments.

In his opening speech delivered by video, President Petr Pavel emphasized that national defence is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces. “A democratic state needs a resilient and cohesive society capable of resisting disinformation and functioning effectively in times of crisis. Such resilience is built through education, responsible citizenship and trust in democratic institutions,” the President said. In doing so, he also highlighted why the conference is co-organized by educational institutions – the University of Defence and the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania. The event has attracted more than 200 participants from the Czech Republic and 12 other countries.

The expert discussions focus primarily on sustainable defence solutions, advanced defence technologies, the environmental aspects of military activities, modern innovations, multi-criteria decision-making processes and other topics reflecting current challenges to European and global security. Unlike in previous years, the opening day programme consists not of invited lectures but of panel discussions divided into three thematic sections. The first was moderated by Lieutenant General Ivo Střecha and focused on military leadership in an era of strategic competition. Among the participants were Lieutenant General Michal Koudelka, Director of the Czech Security Information Service (BIS), and Lieutenant General Almantas Leika of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over the remaining two days, the conference programme will include lectures, parallel sessions and a doctoral student competition.

Author: Viktor Sliva