Events
The Atlantic Dialogues (AD) – 13th Edition
From
To
Location: Rabat
By Invitation
The Policy Center for the New South has established The Atlantic Dialogues conference as a cornerstone for debate and cross-cutting dialogue, addressing topics of regional and global interest and rebalancing the South-North debate. Over the years, the conference has become a meeting point between the four continents of the Atlantic, and has sought to suggest a new understanding of Atlantic dynamics – the Wider Atlantic- underscoring the growing importance of the South Atlantic in the global geopolitical debate, and building bridges between Africa and South America, in dialogue with Europe and North America. The vision of this event is therefore to gather perspectives from across the Atlantic and create an inclusive platform where the North actively listens to and engages with voices from the South, hence contributing to bridging the South-North divide and to a new articulation of South-North and South-South cooperation frameworks. The aim of the conference is to foster a safe and efficient space for cross-sectoral and cross regional discussions through bold, uninhibited, and frank debate. Through the Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders program, the conference also allows for intergenerational dialogue as it brings together annually 40 young change-makers from across the Atlantic who take part in a policy, leadership and networking program and attend the conference to fill in the generational and perception gaps.
Since its inception, The Atlantic Dialogues has brought together over 2000 eminent leaders, experts, and policymakers from across the globe with a vested interest in reshaping the narrative, with a strong focus on voices from the South, of which a community of over 400 Emerging Leaders from over 70 nationalities. This diverse community is committed to challenging persistent biases and perceptions about the Atlantic, striving for a more balanced narrative. The Atlantic Dialogues continually pushes the envelope, questioning the status quo and offering fresh insights into the complex issues facing the (Wider) Atlantic and the world.
As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the strategic significance and scope of the Atlantic space are becoming more evident. A vision is emerging, driven by various initiatives that aim to shape the future of the region inclusively and beneficially. The United States' Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, launched in September 2022, illustrates this effort by fostering multilateral collaboration among 40 coastal Atlantic countries. Similarly, Morocco's Royal Initiative for the Atlantic seeks to integrate African Atlantic states into the global economy, emphasizing economic stability and development, particularly in the Sahel region. Morocco's ambitious and realistic vision for the Atlantic focuses on unlocking the economic potential of the region. Leveraging its expertise in global trade and top-quality infrastructure, Morocco aims to facilitate access for landlocked economies to the Atlantic, enhancing regional stability and prosperity. This initiative is part of broader efforts such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the Maritime Security Initiative of the Gulf of Guinea, which underscore a rational approach to Atlantic cooperation.
Initiatives created by and for the South, are symptomatic of a profound commitment to taking charge of its future and establishing itself as a significant stakeholder both in the Atlantic and on the global stage. By promoting regional cooperation and developing shared solutions, the South demonstrates a firm belief in interconnected prosperity. These efforts highlight the region's dedication to forging a path of collective progress and resilience, showcasing its ability to contribute meaningfully to addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable solutions and development.
Drawing from these various initiatives, especially the recent Moroccan Atlantic Initiative, the conference is moving from dialogue to action. This year’s Atlantic Dialogues will serve as a platform to not only discuss strategic topics but also enrich the tangible actions that will make a difference in the basin. The 13th edition of the Atlantic Dialogues will draw from concrete experiences of collaboration among Atlantic and African countries, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the conference.
This edition also marks a new step in the maturity of The Atlantic Dialogues. It is transitioning from a conference with a yearly thematic grounding and framing, to one that stands out through its proven significance, core values, and broad impact. Henceforth, it will be branded as The Atlantic Dialogues without a specific theme, as it has completed its cycle of emancipation and now aims for a new approach. This coincides with a significant milestone for the Policy Center, as 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the organization's establishment. Over the past decade, the Policy Center has been at the forefront of impactful research and meaningful dialogue, fostering international partnership, collaboration and insightful discussions while generating influential views for the sake of shaping policy decisions, and contributing to the global discourse from a southern perspective. The Policy Center was also simultaneously pushing boldly for the affirmation of the “New South”, a concept coined by the think tank in 2018 and that has become an integral part of its identity that same year in a noteworthy rebranding and name change.
Over this past decade, the Policy Center for the New South has also championed the concept of Wider Atlantic with a focus on the geopolitical and strategic importance of South Atlantic states and has established itself as a key player and credible partner in discussions on the Atlantic. The PCNS now sits at the forefront of think tanks and institutions that are redefining transatlantic relations and bringing a meaningful contribution to discussion and action on key strategic issues around the Atlantic.
In this spirit of change and evolution, this year's edition of the Atlantic Dialogues is moving back to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, and city of lights, where the conference was born in 2012. Nestled along the Atlantic, Rabat provides a unique setting where the dynamic energy of the Atlantic will directly enrich the discussions, creating a profound connection to the region's maritime heritage.
The global context renders the upcoming edition ever more crucial, unfolding amidst global fragmentation and severe challenges like climate change, surging nationalism, and eroding multilateralism. Mounting tensions, with wars flaring in Ukraine and the Middle East, signal a dangerous shift to active conflicts, heightening the risk of systemic warfare that could exacerbate global instability. Confronting these urgent issues demands platforms that champion collaboration, transcend differences, and harness shared perspectives, while setting aside differences, and leveraging converging viewpoints. As global problems require global solutions, fostering unity, cooperation, and above all, dialogue is crucial to effectively addressing these collective threats, which perfectly embodies the spirit of The Atlantic Dialogues.
This year's topics will have a particular focus on geoeconomics. Key areas of interest to the South include infrastructure development, funding mechanisms, sustainable growth, technological innovation, regional integration, and human capital enhancement, amid rising geopolitical tensions. Regarding geopolitics, there will be a focus on the African Atlantic region with specific spotlight on the challenges of regional security, democracy and to the crucial issue of migration.
The 11th edition of the Atlantic Currents report will also focus on the African-Atlantic region considering Morocco’s Atlantic Initiative, and as per tradition, a panel during the conference will be dedicated to the report presentation. The Atlantic Currents, launched in 2014, aims to provide a detailed analysis and a fresh perspective about ongoing cultural, economic, political and security dynamics that are shaping the Wider Atlantic today.
This year's discussions promise to extend and amplify efforts to bolster the Wider Atlantic's strategic significance, building on a series of strategic initiatives. By tackling key issues head-on, the conference aims to deliver profound insights and actionable strategies that will propel the South's progress and integration into the global system.
