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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.

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.

The NATO Political Committee travelled to JFC Naples visits the NSD-S Hub.

24 members of The NATO Political Committee travelled to JFC Naples to visit the NSD-S Hub and receive briefings on the work being carried out and its potential.

It was excellent opportunity to get together and look to the future – discussing, assessing and reflecting on political and regional developments in the Middle East and Africa in line with NATO’s commitment to its 360° approach.

Networking with Dr Serigne Gueye Diop during the Atlantic Dialogues conference in Marrakech.

The Moroccan based Think Tank “Policy Centre for the New South” provides an excellent forum to engage with international and local experts working on various issues in and beyond the Atlantic region. Dr Serigne Gueye Diop focuses on the development of a sustainable food security policy for Senegal with consideration of climate change.

The NSD-S Hub presents at the EAHS Nairobi 2023,

the 10th Annual East African Humanitarian Conference/Expo.

Mr. Alex Mackenzie Smith, Sub-Saharan Africa CIVMIL Staff Officer at NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub delivering a keynote presentation at EAHS Nairobi 2023, the 10th Annual East African Humanitarian Conference/Expo.

The NSD-S Hub attends the Meeting of Global Alliance of Women Mediator Networks in Addis Ababa.

The NSD-S Hub continues its effort to support the #WPS agenda and the implemention of #UNSCR 1325.

In December 2023, we attend the global event, organised by the African Union, and it was an excellent opportunity to reunite with FemWise and strengthen the ongoing collaboration between both organisations.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East and North Africa region.

On the 8th and 9th November 2023, NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) & the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub (NSD-S Hub) hosted a Study Day in Naples on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The project was attended by prominent regional and international SMEs who discussed the risks & opportunities for the region's public & governmental sectors, Al as a tool for combatting Inequality and promoting Human Security & Resilience and the ethical and cultural impact AI may have on the region.

NSD-S Hub Deputy Director welcomes EUROCORPS.

On 4th July 2023, we hosted a delegation from #EUROCORPS Civil-Military Cooperation CIMIC Branch (G9).

The meeting was dedicated to familiarization of both organisations' roles and capabilities and to discuss potential cooperation and support to EUROCORPS G9 responsibilities and tasks during the NATO Joint Task Force HQ 2024 and the HQ Force for EU Battle Group 2025 periods.

NSD-S Hub hosts Women Peace and Security Workshop.

The workshop organised the NSD-S Hub, and held in Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy on June 29th 2023, and saw the attendance of Lieutenant General Vasco Angelotti, JFC Naples Chief of Staff, and Aydin KILIC, NSD-S HUB Director.

Regional experts and change makers from Libya and Tunisia discussed how to leverage the position of women leaders in the region, and how to better support their contribution to stability and security.

Event in cooperation with the Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED).

NSD-S Hub and NATO SFA COE discuss opportunities for collaboration.

Directors of the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub director and the NATO SFA COE met to discuss common areas of interest and to identify potential areas for further collaboration.

'The Horn of Africa Cooperation' ACSRT & NSD-S Hub hold joint workshop in Algiers.

A workshop aimed at discussing and improving coordination in the wake of urgent challenges facing the region and impacting the political, military, economic and social domains.

AFRICA: Climate Change and Safeguarding Human Security

We spoke with experts and practitioners from the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and other high-level institutions to know more of the human security implications that climate change will have on Africa, discussing common challenges and their impact on both a local and regional level.

MENA: Space Capabilities Study Day

We organised a hybrid Study Day in Naples on Space Capabilities & Security Challenges in the MENA region, with a specific focus on the application of space-based technologies to disaster management. The study day covered the various phases of the disaster management cycle with a view to improving human security, including: prevention, preparedness, early warning, response and reconstruction.

Participation from: The Egyptian Space Agency, The Bahrain Space Agency, The UAE Space Agency, The Space Generation Council, The Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Vernewell Management Consultancies, Istanbul University Faculty of Law, the EU Satellite Centre, UNOOSA and others.

Organisations and individuals in our Network

We work with a large networks of experts, from a variety of backgrounds.
Please connect to our network via Linkedin: Data Manager Team NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub | LinkedIn

Conflict prevention and early warning Division

Femwise Africa

African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism

Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre

International Peace Support Training Centre

Policy Center for the New South

University of Kent Conflict Analysis Research Centre

University of Bari Aldo Moro, UNIBA.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (pam.int)

Policy Center UNIMED | Unione delle Università del Mediterraneo (uni-med.net)

NATO Entities

NATO-ICI Regional Centre

NATO ACT

NATO's partnerships in Africa and Middle East

NATO cooperates with a range of international organisations and countries. In Africa and the Middle East these partnerships are organised throught two forums:

NATO - Topic: Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates)
NATO - Topic: Mediterranean Dialogue (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia)

In addition NATO cooperates with the African Union (AU) – a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. The cooperation with the AU has evolved over time. Although primarily based on ad-hoc military-technical cooperation, NATO Allies are committed to expanding cooperation with the AU and to cooperate more closely with partners in tackling security challenges emanating from the south.

Our Network