The defense minister calls for a system to pool Tunisian capabilities
Khalid al-Shili urged during the opening of the National Defence Institute course to invest expertise and create networks of experts to tackle strategic challenges and crisis management.
Minister of National Defense Khalid al-Sahli called on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during the opening of the 44th session of the National Defence Institute, to develop practical mechanisms to pool Tunisian competencies and leverage its expertise in handling strategic files and facing the challenges facing the country. The Minister stressed on building a national system that employs these energies in supporting decision-making, proposing solutions and dealing with crises.
Al-Sahli stressed that the embodiment of this approach requires the creation of national networks of experts in priority areas, the establishment of mechanisms for scientific and technical consultation, along with the preparation of databases of available competencies while ensuring the protection of personal data and information security. He added that this requires strengthening coordination between universities, research centers, state institutions and economic structures, as well as development of formation, training and simulation programmes to raise the readiness of institutions and their ability to intervene rapidly and ensure the sustainability of vital facilities.
The defence minister explained that protecting vital interests requires developing risk prevention and mitigation capabilities, by training specialists in the analysis of geopolitical and economic transformations, cybersecurity, emergency management, protection of vital facilities, and handling health and environmental crises. He also stressed the need to employ agricultural, environmental, engineering and scientific expertise to counter the risks of food, water and energy security, and improve production and resource management amid climate change and volatile international markets.
These statements are part of the launch of the National Defense Institute's 44th session, a military institution dedicated to research, strategic studies and formation of top state frameworks on issues of comprehensive security and national defense, where the launch of this session is an official framework for discussing national resilience mechanisms and qualifying leaders to deal with modern threats.
At the external level, he called for diversification of scientific, technological and economic partnerships, and to take advantage of Tunisia's position within its European, Moroccan, Club Africain and Arab environment. He pointed to the direction of international cooperation in the areas of technology transfer, expertise formation, support for scientific research, renewable energies and digital security to support the national economy and enhance self-capacity.