The International Maritime Organization (IMO), along with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Atlantic Centre, organized the Maritime Security Conference 2024 (8-9 October), where key developments regarding security were discussed.
During the Conference, titled “Maritime Security Conference 2024: Innovation and Partnerships for the Future,” held in Praia, Cabo Verde, Vice Admiral José Nuno Chaves, Fleet Commander of the Portuguese Navy, highlighted the crucial importance of maritime security stating: “Economic development is only possible with stable maritime security.“
The event brought together maritime experts and leaders, highlighting how important secure seas are for economic growth and international trade.
Conference sessions emphasized the need to secure the connections between ships, ports, and people. As countries increasingly depend on maritime trade for economic growth, the conference underscored that stable seas are essential for sustainable development.
A central theme was the necessity of international collaboration and innovative approaches to strengthen security at sea. Furthermore, maritime security could drive poverty alleviation and stimulate job creation in the coastal regions.
Experts shared best practices and stressed the importance of advanced technologies, such as satellite monitoring and AI-driven surveillance systems, for improving coastal management and addressing threats.
