CONFERENCE OVERREVIEW

The 3 day professional program from 4-6 March 07 at Bahria University, Karachi campus will focus on Key areas encompassing Environment, Security and Legal Regimes with Economy being the center piece of discussions and presentations in the light of threats and challenges confronted in maritime domain, especially in relation to post 9/11 geopolitical environment and subsequent global war on terrorism.

Considering the wide scope and the ever changing geopolitical and geo-economics situation in the Indian Ocean region, convening of this important Conference in maritime realm has received tremendous international response. As a result, eminent speakers, comprising over twenty foreign scholars from over a dozen countries with wide international experiences on matters related to maritime security, economy, environment and legal regimes will feature at the conference. In addition to foreign speakers, a record number of International delegates from U.S.A, U.K, Canada, China, Iran, India, Malaysia and Russia (Delegation headed by Economic Minister) and many other countries/ organizations shall be participating in conference. Proceedings will also feature keynote presentations/State of the Art lectures by high profile local & foreign resource persons, inter alia Ministers of Commerce, Interior & Environment; Government of Pakistan; who all will join hands with other countries at the regional and international level for undertaking joint efforts and closer cooperation to evolve future course of action in maritime domain.

The conference will be attended by eminent personalities from Pakistan and abroad. This will comprise a large number of diplomats based at Islamabad, educationists, environmentalists, tourism experts, policy makers, international organizations, public sector officials, corporate executives, stakeholders and many other individuals/organizations; directly and indirectly related with the maritime domain. Moreover, experience and technological edge of maritime developed nations like USA, UK, Canada, China, Russia, etc participating in the conference shall provide a unique opportunity for promoting domestic, regional & international cooperation by sharing of experiences towards economic growth of Indian Ocean Maritime domain and in fostering cooperation and building bridges; while highlighting Pakistan’s importance and it’s role as a maritime nation in the security and economic corridors of Indian Ocean Region.

The approach of the conference will evolve towards devising strategies for an integrated approach in the realm of maritime security & stability, marine environmental conservation, maritime regimes and economy. The conference thus expects to culminate by developing and recommending a comprehensive approach; which will steer participating nations towards mutually beneficial economic development, uplift of the maritime sector, alleviation of poverty and subsequent elevation of our people’s living standards.

Political arena of the world has undergone a paradigm shift since 9/11, and in the current scenario, maritime environment and commerce are facing new threats from terrorist networks and piracy, as the maritime domain provide them wide range of opportunities to disrupt the global trade. In today’s world the oceans have increased importance as more than 80 percent of the world trade is by sea; it forges a global maritime link. Thus, maritime security has become a matter of serious concern which requires a fresh look for preserving the freedom of seas and its resources.

Although, there is plethora of conventions, regimes and multilateral instruments on trade, security, sea exploration, over-fishing and environmental issues, these are not totally effective in enforcing barriers to illegal trade, environmental disorder and security threats. So there is a need for rationalization of international regulations and mechanisms to under take effective measures against maritime threats. As the world’s national economies are becoming more closely integrated, it is imperative that nations coordinate and collectively integrate their security activities to secure the maritime domain.

 

. Enhance awareness on importance of oceans and its resources through information sharing and mutual understanding.

. Identify areas of common interest for group analysis and dialogue.

. Mobilize consensus of opinion on emerging issues confronting Indian Ocean maritime domain.

. Make recommendations to minimize threats and promote opportunities in areas of the mutual interests.

 

. Economic and Trade Opportunities
. Maritime Security and Stability
. Marine Environment

The Conference dates : 4th to 6th March 07