2 October 2024, Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Atlantic Centre, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are pleased to announce a major forthcoming event called "Maritime Security 2024: Innovations and Partnerships for the Future," which will take place on 8 and 9 October 2024 in Cabo Verde, financed by the German Federal Foreign Office in collaboration with the European Union, the Atlantic Centre, and the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG).
The upcoming conference aims to deepen understanding of the intricate issues surrounding maritime security and highlight the importance of a collaborative approach. It will focus on sharing best practices and innovative solutions among various stakeholders while fostering international and cross-sector partnerships to enhance security, sustainability, and resilience in maritime contexts. In addition, the event aims to raise awareness of the factors essential for attracting investment in maritime security initiatives.
and the Atlantic Centre and IMO
The conference will spotlight several primary areas of interest:
- Sustainable maritime security strategies aimed at safeguarding ecosystems and promoting effective coastal management, while also tackling challenges related to climate change and the conservation of biodiversity.
- Cutting-edge technologies, including satellite monitoring, AI-based analytics, and blockchain, can play a crucial role in improving maritime safety and surveillance measures.
- Socioeconomic effects of maritime security, specifically targeting issues like poverty alleviation and job creation in coastal areas.
- The potential and challenges of Atlantic maritime routes as viable alternatives to navigating the Suez Canal
Attendees from respective academic institutions, governments and militaries, will have the opportunity to present successful models of regional and international cooperation, including the Yaoundé Architecture, and assess current legal frameworks, alongside discussions about the necessity for new international standards to confront maritime challenges.
The "Maritime Security 2024: Innovations and Partnerships for the Future" conference provides an outstanding opportunity to address maritime security concerns within the framework of the Blue Economy. This event aims to promote a proactive approach to maritime security while supporting sustainable development by bringing together expert views, innovative solutions, and cross-sectoral cooperation.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a principal training arm of the United Nations, working in every region of the world. UNITAR empowers individuals, governments and organizations through knowledge and learning to effectively overcome contemporary global challenges and helps Member States and other United Nations stakeholders implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by providing modern and innovative learning services. UNITAR was established in 1963 by the General Assembly of the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the UN through appropriate training and research.
About Atlantic Centre
The Atlantic Centre is a Portuguese initiative that creates a multinational and multidisciplinary centre which, by adopting a broad concept of security and a Global Atlantic approach, "The Whole of Atlantic Approach", seeks to promote, within an Atlantic Community of Interest, Political dialogue, the dissemination and production of knowledge and Security capacity building. The Centre boasts 23 member-states across West Africa, Europe, and North and South America and collaborates with various international think tanks and organizations committed to enhancing and strengthening an Atlantic Community of interests.
About IMO
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating maritime transport. The IMO was established following an agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and the IMO came into existence ten years later, meeting for the first time on 17 March 1958.
CONTACT
For more information, please contact: Carolyn Goerke at Carolyn.Goerke@stabilisation-platform.de as adviser to the German Federal Foreign Office.