Marrakech hosts the 12th edition of the "Atlantic Dialogues"

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) is organizing the 12th edition of its annual international conference ''The Atlantic Dialogues'' from December 14 to 16 2023 in Marrakech. 

This year's convening, bringing together more than 400 guests from 80 different nationalities from across the Atlantic Basin, stands out for its scale and diversity. Based on the theme "A More Assertive Atlantic: Its Meaning for the World", the conference is in line with the Royal guidelines and directives on Atlantic Africa delivered in the speech of His Majesty the King, may God assist him, on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Green March.

The PCNS and its commitment to the Atlantic

The Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan think tank based in Rabat, is establishing itself as a key player in discussions on the Atlantic and is at the forefront of think tanks and institutions that are redefining transatlantic relations.

With a focus on the wider Atlantic, a concept it has been developing since 2012 that includes South Atlantic states in the geopolitical construction of the Atlantic basin, the Policy Center for the New South stands out for its ability to mobilize, influence and stimulate thinking.

Its thought leadership is further demonstrated by the quality partnerships it has built with key institutions in the region and beyond, and the production of reports, narratives and in-depth analyses of the strategic challenges facing the region.

The Choice of This Year’s Theme

The Policy Center for the New South has carefully chosen this year's theme to reflect the growing importance of the Atlantic area in the current global context. In this sense, the conference aims to deepen understanding of the implications of the new perception of this space. The emphasis is on promoting Atlantic cooperation, which is seen as essential for economic and social development, particularly for the countries of the South Atlantic. This cooperation can provide a coordinated response to challenges such as climate change and contribute to peace and security in the region.

Taking into account the dynamics of regional integration that are underway, the wider Atlantic approach can make a useful contribution to the necessary reinvention of global governance and a new articulation of North-South and South-South cooperation frameworks.

This twelfth edition will provide an opportunity to discuss a variety of economic and geopolitical issues, reflecting the changes in an enlarged and more integrated Atlantic, through frank, informal and factually informed exchanges, fostering discussions likely to lead to concrete action. Topics will include discussions on the future of strategic partnerships and multilateralism, the emergence of the global South, the reshaping of the international financial architecture, the current challenges of democracy and the challenges of technological change for a sustainable transition.

The Conference Structure

In its eleven previous editions, the Atlantic Dialogues conference has distinguished itself by its ability to bring together a range of international players, now reaching a community of over 2,000 members. The conference is dedicated to the collective construction and deconstruction of pre-established mental maps, focusing on the dynamic evolution of stories and narratives, key elements in our understanding of the world.

The conference is structured around plenary sessions and small group discussions, culminating in the presentation of the 10th edition of the "Atlantic Currents" report, edited and published by the Policy Center for the New South. This collective report deciphers each year’s recent trends in the Atlantic Basin.

Following this kick-off, a series of eminent speakers, including former heads of state and government, current and former ministers, diplomats, senior civil servants, researchers and think tank representatives, will take the floor to enrich the debate on the new prospects for the Atlantic area. Eleven plenary sessions on a variety of subjects, complemented by twenty breakout sessions, encourage in-depth debate on the main theme, coupled with the intercontinental expertise of the Atlantic Dialogues.

Promoting Intergenerational Dialogue

Tied in with the Atlantic Dialogues conference, the Emerging Leaders (ADEL) program is a tribute to enterprising Atlantic young professionals. The ambition of the program is to involve emerging young leaders from the countries of the Atlantic Basin in the workings of public decision-making. 

Each edition of the conference includes 30-50 Emerging Leaders, ages 25 to 35, selected from several hundred applications received from all over the world. This year’s cohort represents 26 nationalities and come mainly from the Atlantic region (70%).

Following an intensive three-day training course on leadership and design thinking to tackle the challenges of the wider Atlantic, delivered by leading experts, this year’s group of 41 emerging leaders will join the conference. They will be particularly honored in the closing plenary session of the conference, dedicated to the group.

With 420 program alumni from over 60 countries, the ADEL program has yielded a diverse, interconnected, and inclusive community.