Advancing Stability and Sustainability – Insights from the 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth

Introduction

The 7th Indian Ocean Conference, scheduled for February 9-10, 2024, has garnered significant attention as global leaders, policymakers, and experts converge in Perth, Australia. This was organized in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Government of Australia, and partner countries. This conference marks a pivotal moment for discussions on the future of the Indian Ocean region.

With the theme “Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean,” the conference 2024 seeks to address pressing issues concerning the Indian Ocean and its surrounding areas. From geopolitical complexities to economic opportunities, from security challenges to environmental sustainability, the conference aims to provide a comprehensive platform for dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.

The foundation of the conference

The Indian Ocean region holds immense strategic, economic, and geopolitical importance, and this is the focal point of the annual international conference known as the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC). The conference made its initiation in Singapore in 2016 and continued to convene annually, with the sixth edition taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2023. Organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with other regional organizations, the IOC serves as a crucial platform for discussions and deliberations on issues affecting the Indian Ocean region.

Importance of the IOC

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) holds immense significance on the global stage, serving as a vital transit route for trade, a hub of economic activity, a focal point for security concerns, and a critical ecosystem supporting diverse marine. It’s like a busy highway for trade, a big center for businesses, a place where security is a big concern, and a home to many kinds of sea animals and plants. It covers a huge area from the coasts of Africa to Australia, and from the Arabian Peninsula to the southern parts of Sri Lanka and Australia. In this area, you find lots of different cultures, economies, and important places.

Given the growing tensions between countries, changes in economies, and problems with the environment, the Indian Ocean Conference is quite important. Leaders and experts from around the world met to talk about how to make the Indian Ocean region safer and healthier. They discussed things like political issues, climate change, and how countries can work together better.

This year also, the 7th Indian Ocean Conference assumes importance against the increasing geopolitical tensions, economic transformations, and environmental vulnerabilities, as stakeholders gather to deliberate on the region’s future, the outcomes of this conference are expected to shape policies, foster cooperation, and chart a course toward a more stable and sustainable Indian Ocean.

Importantly, in this year President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka delivered a keynote address, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the Indian Ocean and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

President Wickremesinghe’s Keynote Address

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the multipolarity of the Indian Ocean region, shaped by historical events like the Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement. He highlighted the emergence of various diplomatic frameworks and groupings, alongside increased militarization, posing challenges to regional stability.

Acknowledging the Indian Ocean’s vulnerability to warming and rising sea levels, President Wickremesinghe proposed initiatives such as the Tropical Belt Initiative and the International Climate Change University. He underscored the need for collective action to address the climate crisis and ensure climate justice for vulnerable countries.

Moreover, he stressed the critical need for enhanced connectivity infrastructure to accommodate projected economic growth in countries like India and Indonesia. He outlined existing initiatives and proposed new projects to address this demand, positioning Sri Lanka as a regional logistics hub.

The keynote address by President Ranil Wickramasinghe | here

Conclusion

The 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on key issues affecting the region. President Wickremesinghe’s address underscored the imperative of addressing geopolitical complexities, combatting the climate crisis, and enhancing connectivity for sustainable development. Moving forward, continued collaboration and concerted efforts are essential to ensure a stable and sustainable Indian Ocean environment.

With inputs from Nuwandhara Mudalige  –