The «National Cohesion and Citizenship-Lille» seminar organised by the IHEDN Partners' Circle endowment fund came to a close on Friday 4 November 2011.
In a studious but relaxed atmosphere, Prefect Patrice Molle, Deputy Director of the IHEDN, chaired the closing ceremony in the presence of a number of key figures from the Lille region. Joëlle Longueval, Regional Councillor for Nord-Pas de Calais, Major General Jean-Jacques Poch, Military Governor of Lille, Commander Denis Leprince, Commander of the Dunkirk Navy, Jacques Grau, representing the Rector of Lille, and Philippe Vandenberghe, in charge of the Lille Eurometropole Defence and Security Mission and representing the Mayor of Lille, were all present.
On this occasion, the trainees, who were local elected representatives, from the voluntary sector and the national education system, and who work with young people in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region, presented the conclusions of their committee work. Throughout the seminar, the participants were divided into three committees, within which they were given the task of reflecting on themes relating to citizenship, national cohesion and the relationship between defence and these two concepts. Each presentation was followed by a question and answer period, during which the discussions were as rich and dynamic as the seminar itself.
The day ended with the presentation of course certificates and a friendly reception attended by all the trainees and authorities present, bringing to a close six days of work and reflection.
