Network newS 

Roundtable in Bahrain: Two Decades of NATO-MENA Partnerships: Challenges, Lessons Learnt, and Opportunities

On 29 April, NATO and non-NATO stakeholders participated in a private roundtable titled 'Two Decades of NATO-MENA Partnerships: Challenges, Lessons Learnt, and Opportunities' organised by IISS-Middle East in collaboration with the NSD-S HUB, and hosted in Manama, Bahrain. The event resulted in insightful discussions allowing representatives from NATO and non-NATO partner countries to share their perspectives on the Alliance’s role regarding partnerships and the current geopolitical landscape. 

Our deepest gratitude to IISS-Middle East and to the representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their invaluable contribution. 

Study Day: Enhancing Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea

The Study Day on 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗮 provided all a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region.

The 𝗚𝘂𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗮 is a shared mass of water among several nations and a strategic space with global reach.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 remain the pre-requisites for economic growth and development as the region faces a multitude of interconnected maritime security challenges.

Bridges were built, doors were opened and we all together shared educated views, based on our diverse approaches and backgrounds.

Study Day: Russian, Chinese and Other Disinformation and Misinformation Efforts in the Sahel.

Allied Command Transformation (ACT), under the Open Perspective Exchange Network (OPEN) framework, and NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub are organised a Study Day on ' Russian, Chinese and other Misinformation and Disinformation Efforts in the Sahel Region '.

The purpose of the event was to enhance and develop NATO’s understanding of the potential medium- to-long-term risks emanating from Russian, Chinese and others’ misinformation and disinformation efforts in Africa's Sahel region, exploring how these efforts might impact the stability and social economic development of the area as a whole.

The NSD-S Hub hosts a Study Day and Award Ceremony for the Student Essay Competition Winners of 2024.

The project underscores the NSD-S Hub’s work to integrate youth perspectives in its understanding and awareness of the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa. With numerous submissions from students representing thirteen different countries across the MiddleEast and #Africa. The most selected topics were emerging technologies and #AI, #energy transitions and climate change.

Local and regional insights are essential to enhancing a mutual understanding of complex dynamics and shared challenges. As such there is a need to continue facilitating representation oyouth voices and continue the exchange of knowledge.

The NSD-S Hub hosts the Assistant Secretary General and Special Representative for the South, Mr. Javier COLOMINA in Naples.

An enlightening experience for all present and an opportunity to engage in discussions on strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts in the South. The ASG's commitment to enhancing security and stability in the region is commendable, and it was inspiring to see his perspectives when addressing complex challenges, particularly regarding topics where the NSD-S Hub can make a difference. 

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MEDIATION IN AFRICAN INTERNAL CONFLICTS CONFERENCE organized by African Peace and Security Annual Conference. 

The NSD-S Hub shared its views/perspectives on the current situation and future prospects in Libya, as well as on major security challenges in Africa, particularly in the regions of Central Sahel, Lake Chad, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes during the panel Report Presentation – Annual Report on the African Geopolitics. Rabat June 2024

The Challenges of Food Security in GCC Countries. 

𝐆𝐂𝐂 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 with 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐎-𝐈𝐂𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 

A highly impactful workshop held at the NATO-ICI Regional Centre (NIRC) in Kuwait. in May 2024.

This event, co-organized by the NIRC and the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub, brought together distinguished experts from across the Gulf region to address the impact of climate change and demographics to emerging technologies and their implications on food security. 

𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 in 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧. 

Our team attends the 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 (March) in 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Of the key topics discussed: The potential and comprehensive reforms of the #Multilateral system, sustainable solutions to address Poverty, Food Insecurity and Climate Change and ways to expand Digitilisation efforts.

With only 6 years left until 2030, tracking and reviewing progress in adopting the right policies for achieving 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 is crucial, particularly in a region that's witnessing recent and challenging developments.

Expert Group on the South visits the NSD-S Hub. 

We welcomed the Group of Experts responsible to draft a report to inform NATO on its approach to its Southern Neighborhood, particularly the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel regions. NATO's relationship with the South is undergoing a profound examination, as highlighted by the deep reflection launched at the Vilnius Summit. The goal now is to craft concrete proposals for the next NATO Summit in Washington in July 2024. We eagerly await the Group of Experts’ report, which will be delivered to the Secretary General ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in April. It is through collaborative efforts like these that we can shape NATO's future approach and enhance #stability and #cooperation in our broader Southern Neighbourhood. 

NSD-S Hub meets with NDC & The NATO Group of Experts for the South. 

We met with peers from NATO Defense College and NATO's 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 to discuss NATO’s current and potential approach to its southern flank Africa & the MiddleEast. 

Identifying opportunities for further engagement, open dialogue, and cooperation with partner nations, local & international organisations, regional subject matter experts, and other relevant actors. 

This meeting will contribute to the development of a report to the Secretary General and will help define & refine NATO’s approach to the South.