EU-LKI Conference on Ocean Governance and Maritime Security

May 9, 2023    Reading Time: 2 minutes

Reading Time: 2 min read

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives hosted a conference on Ocean Governance and Maritime Security Opportunities on Monday 8th May 2023. The Conference focused on Ocean Governance and Maritime Security and examined some key issues of mutual interest such as (i) Treaty of the High Seas -Bio Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and the Way Forward (ii) Regional Security Co-operation on an Open and Rules based Regional Maritime Architecture and (iii) Environment Maritime Protection and Disaster Preparedness.

Panel discussions were held on the BBNJ Agreement, maritime safety and security and the applicability of national, regional and international level mechanisms regarding environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness and also which areas should be further strengthened to address potential future concerns.

The conference commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mrs Aruni Wijewardane, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and remarks were made by H.E Denis Chaibi, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. A special presentation was made by Ms Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS). The Keynote Address of the conference was delivered by Hon. M. U.M Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

The conference also saw the active engagement by EU Member States Heads of Mission resident in Colombo. It brought together participants from the Diplomatic Corps, Academia, young professionals, both government and civil society actor and the media. The conference, promoted a dialogue through expert panellists from Europe, Sri Lanka and the Region who discussed and analysed a wide range of issues relating to Ocean Governance. The knowledge shared by this exchange will positively impact on Sri Lanka and neighbouring countries in the Region, bringing ocean governance and maritime security to the forefront of policy discussions in Sri Lanka’s Indian Ocean strategy.