Held at the PCNS headquarters on the campus of Mohammed VI University (UM6P), this edition, marking the think tank's 10th anniversary, differs from previous ones in several aspects, notably its return to the Kingdom's capital, which hosted the first editions of the Conference, the Policy Center for the New South says in a press release.

The current edition also stands out for the shift from a single-theme format to a multidisciplinary approach, reflecting the maturity that the “Atlantic Dialogues” has developed over the years.

Special attention will be given to the Moroccan Atlantic Initiative, aimed at unlocking the economies of the Sahel countries, in line with the vision of His Majesty the King, as expressed in the Royal speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, the same source points out.

PCNS's Commitment to the Atlantic

"The PCNS," the press release continues , ”has established itself as a key player in Atlantic discussions, positioning itself among the leading think tanks and institutions reshaping inter-Atlantic relations. By focusing on the broader Atlantic, including South Atlantic states, the Center demonstrates its ability to mobilize, influence and stimulate strategic thinking. 

Its leadership position is anchored in its notable successes in building partnerships, as well as producing reports, narratives and in-depth analyses of the region's economic and geopolitical challenges.

One of its flagship initiatives is the Atlantic Strategy Group (ASG), launched in 2015 in partnership with the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) and the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). This inter-Atlantic dialogue forum provides the three institutions with a platform to foster reflection on the dynamics shaping the Atlantic rim.

Distinctive Features of the 2024 Edition

One of the key innovations introduced in the design of the “Atlantic Dialogues” 2024 is the structuring of the Conference around several cross-cutting themes rather than around an exclusive topic, offering a fresh perspective on conducting international conferences that combine action with dialogue.

The revised format of the “Atlantic Dialogues” seeks to examine, through the lens of the “New South”, the dynamics shaping the Atlantic Rim and the emerging challenges of international cooperation. 

The event will explore new initiatives aimed at shaping the region's future in a constructive and inclusive manner, such as Morocco's Atlantic Initiative, which aims to help Sahel countries overcome development challenges, while accelerating their integration into the global economy. 

The 13th Atlantic Dialogues will also focus on the impact of political and economic tensions on global geopolitics and multilateralism. Notably, this edition takes place one month after the US presidential elections and the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in a year that marks a crucial electoral period for Africa, with 19 elections scheduled. 

This new edition will examine the need for effective global governance in a world defined by intensifying rivalries between major powers, while also considering the perspectives of the “New South”, through an inclusive dialogue that fully integrates the mechanisms of North-South cooperation.

furthermore, this new edition of the “Atlantic Dialogues” will address a variety of economic and geopolitical topics, reflecting the transformations of a expanded and integrated Atlantic, through panels, roundtables and other collaborative sessions, PCNS points out. 

Topics include cultural diplomacy, the regional security paradigm, smart infrastructure, the regulation of artificial intelligence, and other critical issues requiring enhanced North-South coordination, while offering a diverse range of perspectives and solutions on global governance challenges.

The Structure of the Conference

Throughout its previous editions, the “Atlantic Dialogues” Conference has distinguished itself by its ability to bring together a host of international experts and political decision-makers, resulting in a community of over 1,000 members to date. This community is dedicated to collective and solidarity-driven development, with an emphasis on the dynamic evolution of stories and narratives—essential elements in our understanding of the world.

This year's event is structured around plenary sessions and small-group discussions, kicking off with the presentation of the 11th edition of the “Atlantic Currents” Report, published by PCNS. First published in 2014, this annual report analyzes the latest trends in the Atlantic Basin each year, the press release adds.

Following the opening, speakers - including former heads of state and government, current and former ministers, diplomats, senior officials, researchers and think tank representatives - will take the floor to enrich the debate on new perspectives for the Atlantic space. 

The eleven plenary sessions, covering a wide range of topics, are complemented by twenty small group discussions, fostering in-depth exchanges on Atlantic dynamics and emerging challenges in international cooperation, supported by the intercontinental expertise of the “Atlantic Dialogues”.

Promoting Intergenerational dialogue

As part of the “Atlantic Dialogues”, the Emerging Leaders Program (ADEL) is a true commitment to enterprising Atlantic youth. Its aim is to involve emerging young leaders from the Atlantic Basin countries in public decision-making processes. Each edition of the Conference welcomes between 30 and 50 young people, aged 35 or under, selected from several hundred applications. These participants represent 26 nationalities, the majority (70%) coming from the Atlantic region.

 After an intensive three-day training course, focusing on leadership and design thinking to tackle challenges of the expanded Atlantic, led by renowned experts, the new ADEL members will join the Conference, and will be honored at the closing ceremony. 

Currently, the ADEL community of the PCNS counts 400 members from 70 countries, forming a strong and extensive network.