Rabat: The 13th edition of the ‘Atlantic Dialogues’ conference is set to take place in Rabat from December 12 to 14, marking a decade of gatherings under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Organized by the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), this year’s event will introduce a multidisciplinary approach, shifting from its previous single-theme format, and will place a spotlight on the Moroccan Atlantic Initiative aimed at boosting the economies of the Sahel countries.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the upcoming conference will be held at the PCNS headquarters on the campus of Mohammed VI University (UM6P). This edition marks a return to Rabat, where the first editions of the conference were held, and coincides with PCNS’s 10th anniversary. Special attention will be given to the Moroccan Atlantic Initiative, in alignment with the vision of His Majesty the King, as expressed in his Royal speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March.
The PCNS has positioned itself as a key pl
ayer in Atlantic discussions, having established a leadership role in reshaping inter-Atlantic relations. The think tank has been instrumental in mobilizing strategic thinking on the broader Atlantic region, including the South Atlantic states. It has also been pivotal in building partnerships and producing analyses of the region’s economic and geopolitical challenges. One of its significant initiatives is the Atlantic Strategy Group (ASG), launched in 2015 in collaboration with the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Luso-American Development Foundation.
The 2024 edition of the ‘Atlantic Dialogues’ will feature several cross-cutting themes, offering a novel approach to international conferences by combining action with dialogue. The event aims to explore initiatives that shape the region’s future constructively and inclusively, focusing on Morocco’s Atlantic Initiative to aid the Sahel countries in overcoming development challenges and integrating into the global economy. It will also address
the impact of political and economic tensions on global geopolitics and multilateralism.
The conference will include discussions on effective global governance amid intensifying rivalries between major powers. It will also integrate perspectives from the ‘New South’ through inclusive dialogues that emphasize North-South cooperation. Topics such as cultural diplomacy, regional security, smart infrastructure, and artificial intelligence regulation will be covered through panels, roundtables, and collaborative sessions.
The ‘Atlantic Dialogues’ is known for bringing together international experts and political decision-makers, forming a community of over 1,000 members dedicated to solidarity-driven development. This year’s event will feature plenary sessions and small-group discussions, beginning with the presentation of the ‘Atlantic Currents’ Report. The conference will host former heads of state, ministers, diplomats, researchers, and think tank representatives to discuss new perspectives for the Atlantic s
pace.
Additionally, the Emerging Leaders Program (ADEL) will continue to engage young leaders from the Atlantic Basin countries in public decision-making. The program selects 30 to 50 individuals aged 35 or under from hundreds of applications, representing 26 nationalities. After a three-day training course, these emerging leaders will join the conference and be recognized at the closing ceremony, contributing to a growing network of 400 ADEL members from 70 countries.