On March 5, 2022, Varðberg, Samtök um Vestræna Samvinnu og Alþjóðamál hosted day-long NATO School 2022 program with expert speakers including Ministers, Ambassadors, Defense, and Military representatives.

“This crisis has produced unity across NATO Allies and partners because it has demonstrated the importance of solidarity. The United States and Iceland, and our Allies and partners, have coordinated intensively to engage with one voice on Ukraine and Russia. We share a belief in the fundamental right of sovereign nations to choose their destiny.

This moment has also demonstrated unity not only across nations, but also within nations because it shows what is at stake: the values we most cherish. National independence and sovereignty. Democracy. The rule of law. Human rights. The freedoms that people everywhere in the world ought to enjoy. The freedoms and rights that the people of Ukraine ought to enjoy. We are united, and we will meet this moment together. There will be difficult days ahead, but our commitment to defend the international rules-based order will not waiver.” -Chargé d’Affaires Michelle Yerkin.

The attendance on Saturday, March 5, reflects the significance with which NATO is viewed in Iceland.