The first day of the Atlantic Dialogues focused on the South Atlantic’s untapped potential in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and resource management. Key discussions emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to tackle structural barriers, including fragile governance, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented security institutions. Despite calls for fostering innovation and increasing youth involvement, significant economic and political asymmetries between the North and the South persist as major challenges. Moving forward, the conference underscored the importance of implementing actionable and sustainable strategies to bridge these divides and promote inclusive development across the Atlantic region.

THE 11TH EDITION OF ATLANTIC CURRENTS REPORT

The 2024 Atlantic Currents report emphasizes the need for innovative frameworks of cooperation to address structural challenges in the Global South and capitalize on the strategic opportunities within the Atlantic region. Detailed maps outline key features such as mega-cities, major ports, and natural resource distributions, underscoring the region’s geoeconomic significance. The report identifies governance deficits, infrastructure limitations, and economic vulnerabilities—exacerbated by pandemic-induced debt and austerity policies—as primary obstacles to Africa’s development. It advocates for regional institutional strengthening to enhance conflict resolution and resource management capacity, reducing reliance on external actors. Additionally, fostering a collective Atlantic identity is highlighted as essential to advancing interregional cooperation, particularly through direct linkages between Africa and South America. This approach aims to address global challenges such as climate change, migration, and economic transition through innovation and youth-driven initiatives, positioning the Atlantic as a pivotal axis of sustainable development.

THE ROYAL ATLANTIC INITIATIVE: STRENGTHENING GLOBAL COOPERATION

The plenary session on the Atlantic Initiative highlighted its role as a transformative, African-led vision for regional integration and sustainable development. Speakers emphasized the initiative’s focus on strategic connectivity in energy, transport, and agriculture, with projects like the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline and the Dakhla port exemplifying its ambition to link landlocked countries to global markets. Discussions underscored the initiative’s alignment with frameworks such as the AfCFTA, its emphasis on leveraging Africa’s resources for industrial growth and job creation, and its potential to address shared challenges like climate change, migration, and security. The session also highlighted the importance of the blue economy, digital connectivity, and environmental sustainability, with calls for collective action and strategic partnerships to ensure the initiative’s success as an African-driven solution for prosperity and resilience across the Atlantic region.

FROM GLOBALIZATION TO FRAGMENTATION: THE SOUTH ATLANTIC AT A CROSSROAD

In his plenary session, Jamil Mahuad, former President of Ecuador, outlined the evolving global order, highlighting the shift from a Europe-dominated 19th century to a U.S.-centric 20th century, and now to an emerging "Asian century" led by China and India. He emphasized the critical role of demographic trends, particularly Africa's youthful population, in reshaping global influence. Mahuad argued that Africa's demographic advantage, combined with strategic investments from global powers, offers significant opportunities for economic growth and partnership, particularly with Latin America. He also underscored the need for forward-looking policies that integrate technical, cultural, and political considerations to address the challenges posed by a fragmented global landscape, advocating for a strategic, anticipatory approach to regional development.

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY: RECONNECTING ATLANTIC COMMUNITIES THROUGH ARTS AND HERITAGE

The plenary session emphasized the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering international relationships and soft power. Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid highlighted Morocco's strategic investment in culture, positioning it as a long-term diplomatic tool that strengthens global ties. Building on this, Jessica De Alba-Ulloa underscored the significance of heritage diplomacy, urging its integration into broader cultural strategies to further enhance diplomatic efforts. Migdalia Machín from the Canary Islands then focused on the role of culture in promoting national identity and fostering collaborative partnerships, particularly in addressing shared regional challenges. Rama Yade of the Atlantic Council shifted the conversation to the economic impact of creative industries and sports, especially in Africa, emphasizing how these sectors drive investment and development through cultural diplomacy.

REPLAY

To further engage with the content discussed, all session replays can be found in this playlist.

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