Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya underscored the pivotal role of culture and technology in fortifying national security during the inaugural joint cultural day of the National Defence College (NDC) and the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC). The event, held at the Uhuru Gardens National Museum and Monument, brought together senior strategic thinkers and emerging leaders from over 20 nationalities, celebrating diverse cultures and exploring their intersection with modern innovations in the security landscape.
Tuya, who is also a student at NDC, emphasized that national power extends beyond military capability, rooted instead in human relationships, shared values, and mutual understanding. “As we all sit here, we are reminded of a fundamental truth, that national power is not defined solely by military capability. It is equally anchored in human relationships, shared values, mutual understanding and our collective ability to operate effectively across cultures, institutions and borders,” she said.
The event, themed “Culture with Technology,” highlighted the evolving nature of modern conflict, which now extends into cognitive, information, and digital domains. Tuya noted that adversaries increasingly exploit technologies and cultural fault lines to influence perceptions, undermine cohesion, and destabilize societies. “This initiative is both timely and forward-looking. The theme of the day speaks directly to the realities of contemporary security. Modern conflict environments are no longer confined to physical battlefields as we know them. They extend into the cognitive information and digital domains as adversaries increasingly exploit technologies and cultural faultlines to influence perception, undermine cohesion and destabilise societies,” she added.
Tuya stressed that understanding the intersection between culture and technology is no longer optional but a strategic necessity. “The defence leader of the future must be able to navigate cultural terrain with the same precision as physical terrain, as well as deploy technology with professional skill, ethical judgement and respect for diversity. When effectively fused, culture and technology become powerful enablers not only of operational effectiveness but also of trust building, conflict prevention and sustainable peace,” she said.
The day-long event featured traditional dances, native cuisines, artefacts, traditional wear exhibitions, and a panel discussion aligned with the theme. Diplomats from Bangladesh, Namibia, Botswana, India, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, Burundi, South Sudan, Rwanda, Nepal, and other nations attended, along with senior military personnel, service commanders, and families of the course participants.
Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri highlighted how culture intersects with national security, development, and international relations, bringing humanity together. “When we appreciate our diversities, then there’s little room for conflict,” he said.
This inaugural event sets a precedent for future collaborations, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and technological advancement in shaping the modern security landscape. As the trainees are modelled to become future strategic leaders, the fusion of culture and technology will be crucial in navigating the complexities of contemporary conflicts and fostering sustainable peace.