On May 5th, the delegation of the National Defence College of Thailand visited Ludovika University of Public Service. The conference was organized by the Directorate General for International Affairs and held in the university’s Széchenyi Ceremony Hall.
In his welcome speech, Dr. Gergely Deli, Rector of Ludovika University of Public Service, stated: “Although Hungary and Thailand are geographically distant, both nations regard education as a cornerstone of national development.”
He emphasized that defending sovereignty relies not only on strength but also on knowledge and discipline. In both countries, military service plays a stabilizing role—not only in border protection but also in preserving national identity and supporting societal transformation. Rector Deli also pointed out that threats are no longer confined to traditional domains but have moved into cyberspace. He stressed that modern security and shared responsibility require cross-sectoral coordination. At Ludovika University of Public Service, experts are trained across multiple fields, including military, public administration, and law enforcement. He also underlined that international cooperation is a strategic priority for the university.
In her speech, Liliana Śmiech, Director General for International Affairs, emphasized that she considers it her personal mission to promote education, dialogue, and cooperation to strengthen international relations. She highlighted how inspiring it is when two geographically distant countries that share a similar worldview come together to discuss strategic issues and invest in the education of future leaders. “We share a worldview that values stability and continuity based on mutual respect and cooperation,” she noted.
Following the opening ceremony, renowned Hungarian experts gave presentations on topics such as energy strategy, foreign policy, and cybersecurity.
Ádám Zsíros, Head of the Energy Department at the Institute of Energy Strategy, spoke about the energy transition. He referenced a recent power outage in Spain, analyzing its causes—specifically the overconcentration of solar energy production in one region and the lack of dynamic backup capacity such as gas reserves. He also discussed the impact on Portugal and outlined various factors influencing Hungary’s energy consumption.
Attila Demkó, Head of the Strategic Foresight Program at the John Lukacs Institute, spoke about Hungarian defense and energy policy. He emphasized that Central and Southeast Europe, along with neighboring countries, are vital for ensuring the well-being of Hungarian diaspora communities. He also addressed the importance of stability in Ukraine and the Russian Federation, as well as energy security. Demkó highlighted NATO as the cornerstone of European security and reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to the stability of the European Union. He added that Southeast Europe has long been a strategic priority and underscored the significance of international cooperation with Russia, Turkey, and China.
Professor Csaba Krasznay, Associate Professor and Head of the Cybersecurity Research Institute at the Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies, introduced the European Union’s cybersecurity strategy, implemented in 2020, and explained how artificial intelligence can be used to develop defense tools against cyber threats. He noted that many startups are unprepared for cyberattacks and emphasized the need to develop digital infrastructure, citing Hungary’s National Cybersecurity Centre under the National Security Service.
Professor László Vasa, Chief Advisor at the Directorate General for International Affairs, delivered a presentation on Hungary’s foreign policy. He explained that geopolitical realities, a reassessment of the global order, and the elevation of economic diplomacy to the level of traditional politics form the foundation of Hungary’s foreign policy. He emphasized that the Hungarian government prioritizes connectivity in its foreign strategy, believing it will help Hungary reach the level of advanced economies.
Gergely Attila Kovács, also a Senior Advisor at the Directorate General for International Affairs, presented the history of Ludovika, which dates back to the 19th century. At the conclusion of the event, His Excellency Ambassador Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena and Mr. Songchai Chaipatiyut, Deputy Director General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, formally closed the ceremony.