This session will aim to present and discuss the 10th edition of Atlantic Currents report, the annual publication of the Policy Center for the New South proposing a strategic overview of Atlantic Affairs. This report has been a companion of the Atlantic Dialogues since 2014.

In line with the theme of the Atlantic Dialogues Conference, this edition will explore what a more assertive Atlantic means for the World. It will tackle a variety of topics, from agriculture to trade through geopolitics, energy, industrial value chains, security, and South-South cooperation.

2023 marked the year in which the concept of the Global South must have known the highest level of publicity in decades. Recent developments seem to have confirmed that stock was taken off this shift in the international balance.  The membership of the AU at the G20, the BRICS expansion, whereby the grouping will more than double in number of member states, and the organization of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Africa for the first time in half a century could all mark a turning point for the Global South’s positioning in the international arena.

These movements inevitably reshape the traditional configuration of the broader Atlantic region and its geostrategic balance, whether in the context of North-South dialogue or intercontinental exchanges. Consequently, countries of the Global South are confronted with new opportunities and challenges as they address their own priorities, presenting a crucial opening to assert their newfound position for a more inclusive and balanced equilibrium.

This opening conversation will address the following questions:

• How can the Global South actively shape and influence international geopolitical dynamics to ensure representation and address imbalances in the global decision-making process?
• In the face of global challenges, how might the Global South enhance its collective influence through strategic alliances in order to address global issues like climate change or economic inequality?
• What type of intercontinental framework could effectively showcase and advance Southern perspectives and interests?

The world is going through an economic, democratic, identity and climate crisis that is calling into question the very foundations of modern society. Thus, the multidimensional crisis characterizing contemporary international relations has exacerbated global geopolitical trends, including the struggle to uphold multilateralism in a climate of growing nationalism, protectionism and rising great power competition. At the same time, it has demonstrated the need for multilateral cooperation for the effective mitigation of cross-border threats, including in the Global South. In response to the numerous challenges facing contemporary multilateral organizations, and indeed the very idea of multilateralism itself, many have called for wholesale change yet few have provided specific details on substance or articulated how any such reforms might be supported or implemented. As the multidimensional crisis leaves parts of the world more fragile and vulnerable, it also precipitates the need for a reformed multilateral system fit for purpose and able to address the challenges of the future. Thinking through new practices to enrich multilateralism will be important for the further development of international cooperation. 

• What are the main challenges of contemporary multilateralism?  
• How can a new model of international cooperation help to achieve the multilateralism goals? 
• Does the UN Charter need revision?

The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for BRICS members as 19 additional countries were invited to join the club, expanding its influence. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency, succeeding Indonesia and preceding Brazil, demonstrating consecutive leadership from the Global South. This succession prompts an exploration of the rising influence of the South and its aspiration to reshape the international order, challenging the post-World War II system.

Amidst unprecedented global challenges and geopolitical tensions, the session aims to address the pertinent question of whether the time is ripe for a more balanced international order. While the economic prowess of the South has surged, geopolitical complexities pose challenges as emerging powers seek to assert themselves, and the West endeavors to maintain the status quo.

The frustration stemming from the Global South's underrepresentation in international bodies, such as the IMF, fuels a narrative for a united front. However, this narrative is nuanced, given the diverse strategic interests among Global South countries.

Initiated by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), this collaborative effort brings together three think tanks from Europe, Asia, and Africa. With a commitment to fact-based analytical research, the initiative aims to explore the meaning of the "Global South" and its evolving concepts, including the "New South." It seeks to identify common denominators and assess the implications of its rise for global public goods.

• How can the Global South contribute to shaping a more balanced international order?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities arising from the economic clout of the Global South?
• How can diverse strategic interests within the Global South be navigated to establish a unified front?
• In what ways can the Global South, or the New South, collaborate with the North to address global public goods challenges?

The World Bank Group (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings held in early October in Marrakesh were the occasion to create a momentum for a bold reform of the global financial architecture. The World Bank's efforts to increase funding capacity align with global public goods goals, but the scale remains marginal compared to Africa's development needs, raising the need for larger institutions. Tensions persist between financing climate change and development. Moreover, unlocking substantial private funds for Africa remains an unresolved challenge. 

As for the IMF, there is a drive to make the institution more responsive to a shock-prone global economy, but its current toolkit falls short. Efforts are also underway to clarify its role in climate change and refocus on core functions. The IMF has demonstrated in the past its ability to move forward with change - e.g., the adoption of the Institutional View. 

However, internal resistance poses challenges to necessary reforms. Furthermore, the evolving geopolitical landscape increases the isolation of multilateral institutions. US-China competition hinders consensus, impeding progress on World Bank reform, sovereign debt restructuring and international financial institutions’ governance.

• What can Southern Atlantic countries expect from the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions?
• How can we reinforce the intervention toolkit of the IMF to face the challenges faced by the World Economy?
• In the face of mounting geopolitical competition and tensions, how can consensus be achieved to advance key reforms in the multilateral institutions?

The Biden Administration has made revitalizing transatlantic relations a central focus in its foreign policy. This emphasis gained further significance amid the Ukraine conflict, repositioning NATO in the forefront of transatlantic security concerns. A current, dynamic debate is unfolding within US political circles regarding US future foreign policy orientation in the Northern Atlantic. Both Democrats and Republicans share common ground on strategic priorities like countering China, safeguarding domestic manufacturing, and securing access to critical technologies. However, notable divergences exist, particularly on issues of significance to Europeans, including climate action, technological competition, the Ukraine conflict, and the United States' alliance dynamics.

The Southern Atlantic also holds strategic importance for the Biden Administration, underscored by the September 2023 Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation. This declaration expanded the focus to the Wider Atlantic, recognizing interdependencies as a potent force to address pressing challenges. As the 2024 US elections loom, a crucial question emerges regarding the continuity of US foreign policy in this region.

• What similarities and differences exist within and between the Democratic and Republican parties concerning the critical foreign policy areas that influence America's ties with the Wider Atlantic?
• How might these variations in foreign policy stances impact the pivotal role the United States assumes in the ongoing Ukraine conflict?
• Will the United States' heightened priorities in the Indo-Pacific region inevitably lead to a total shift away from the Atlantic?

Recent years have witnessed a notable increase in the frequency and severity of various crises, encompassing issues such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, over-indebtedness in a number of countries and geopolitical conflicts. This escalation underscores the critical need to urgently address some of the most pressing global challenges. Unfortunately, international responses thus far have fallen short, with lessons from past experiences not being adequately absorbed.

Calls from the international community for extensive reforms of the global financial architecture, particularly the multilateral development banks (MDBs), have been recurrent. While acknowledging their role in development financing and crisis management, it is imperative to enhance their approach and impact. This adaptation is crucial to effectively address contemporary global challenges, navigate multidimensional crises, restore debt sustainability, and ultimately advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

• What strategies can be employed to ensure the timely and effective implementation of reforms and adaptations in the global financial system? 
• Regarding the reforms proposed for international financial institutions, what implications will they have, and how can alignment and coordination with regional and continental financial institutions be guaranteed? 
• How do financial institutions in the Global South perceive the global reform agenda? 

The Atlantic encompasses diverse nations shaped by unique economic, political, and cultural trajectories. The dominance of the Washington-Brussels axis is yielding to a renewed, inclusive Atlanticism that recognizes the historical interplay between the North and South as the defining characteristic of the Atlantic. This concept of a Wider Atlantic allows the region's countries to draw from their own histories and cultures, recognizing shared roots. Common challenges also unite, by addressing issues such as environmental degradation, energy transition, global governance reform, collaborative financial policy shaping, technological advancements, and heightened conflicts. Despite these similarities, variations in political systems, economic development paths, and cultural beliefs contribute to nuanced perspectives on bridging differences. Importantly, these differences signal a strategic shift in 21st century geopolitics, where North Atlantic countries contemplate whether emerging powers in the South Atlantic might overshadow their international roles.  

This session aims to explore how varied perspectives contribute to the strategic shift in the Wider Atlantic, specifically in the interplay between the North and South.

• What similarities have the potential to shape strategies facilitating effective collaboration on shared challenges within the Wider Atlantic?  
• Can the diverse values and interests within the North and South regions of the Atlantic be navigated to establish a mutually beneficial arrangement for a more interconnected and prosperous Wider Atlantic?

Global economies leaders are increasingly embracing economic nationalism, and under current circumstances, this trend has the potential to become the dominant norm. Since the global financial crisis, developed economies have started to adopt inward economic policies as a means of fostering recovery. Notably, protectionist trade measures have taken center stage in these strategies. The series of shocks witnessed by the global economy in recent years has fostered a conducive environment, leading local governments to prioritize insulating themselves from global shocks and accentuating their economic sovereignty. A shift towards economic resilience and security has eclipsed the previous emphasis on efficiency, with economic sovereignty emerging as a primary objective in economic policy. This approach has been shown to exacerbate challenges, pushing the global economy into a state of lower equilibrium and generating adverse effects. While this trend could result from the confluence of conjunctural shocks and thus be a temporary behavior, it may also harbor the seeds of a more protracted reflex among policymakers, anchoring policy on nationalism as the new normal.  

• What are the different layers of economic nationalism and to what degree have recent shocks influenced the adoption of this policy shift? 
• What ramifications does this trend hold for developing economies, and how can they shape their economic policies in response to these prevailing circumstances? 
• Is economic nationalism poised to become the new normal in the global economic landscape? 
• In the face of the growing prominence of economic nationalism, how can confidence in the principles of international cooperation and multilateralism be restored? 

In the contemporary global political landscape, the dynamics of authoritarianism, democracy, and populism are undergoing significant shifts, impacting both the southern and northern hemispheres. Authoritarian resurgence challenges democratic foundations, and populist sentiments test traditional norms globally. Leaders recalibrate alliances, reshaping international relations beyond regional boundaries. Amidst these changes, three key questions emerge:

• Is the shift towards authoritarianism a temporary deviation or a lasting departure from democratic principles, transcending geographical boundaries?
• Does the evolving discourse signify the exhaustion of the democratic model, encompassing authoritarian aspects?
• And, amidst the spread of disinformation and populist narratives, what measures can be implemented to safeguard the integrity of information, foster informed citizenry, and enhance resilience against manipulative influences?

The concept of brain drain pertains to migration economics and the international competition for talent. Since the 1960s, it has evolved into a developmental concern for both developing countries sending migrants and developed countries receiving them. When considering the potential advantages of skilled migration, such as the diaspora's role in facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, a perspective of brain gain emerges. In the current landscape of technological shifts, intense competition, and the global quest for talent, number of key questions arise:

• What are the primary drivers of the global scramble for talent, and what is its current scope? 
• What challenges does this pose for both developing and developed nations, and what potential benefits might arise? 
• How can we envision schemes for the global mobility of highly skilled workers to maximize potential benefits for the developing countries sending them? 

1. Navigating Fiscal Tides: Strategies for Debt Restructuring 
2. Demographic Dynamics in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities 
3. The Atlantic in the Era of Industry 4.0: Charting the Course of Global Manufacturing Innovation Amid the Rebirth of Industrial Policy  
4. Harnessing Technology for Africa’s development  
5. Transatlantic Connections: The African Diaspora as a Driving Force for Development 
6. Les nouveaux conflits hybrides : Entre technologie et guerre de l'information (in French) 
7. Securing Access to the Natural Resources in a Fragmented World 
8.  التعاون الاقتصادي والأمني على مستوى منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا(in Arabic)
9. Brazil’s Diplomatic & Economic Comeback to Africa  
10. The Transitioning Balance in the Indopacific: Implications for the Wider Atlantic 
11. The Future of Global Governance: Multilateral Institutions in the Spotlight 
12. Advancing Global Education: Quality Improvements for Youth Perspectives 
13. From Barracks to Power: A New Norm in the Sahel? 
14. Navigating Sustainability Dilemmas: Cultivating Global Agriculture for Food Security
15. Triangular Cooperation in the Wider Atlantic 
16. Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in Focus 

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Following a sequence of global crises, including but not limited to US-China trade tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflicts, profound shockwaves have resonated globally, amplifying existing vulnerabilities and introducing new risks. This evolving landscape prompts a critical examination of the multifaceted impact of these crises and their implications for international relations, the global economy, and the collective capacity of nations to address common challenges. Against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions and geo-economic fragmentation, these crises are reshaping diplomatic agendas, straining international cooperation, and posing challenges across a spectrum of pressing issues, from climate change to food insecurity.

• In the wake of profound shockwaves from global crises, how can nations strike a balance between national interests and the collective capacity to address common challenges?
• To what extent is the current pace of reform within multilateral institutions aligned with the urgency of the current challenges ?
• And, exploring the potential for enhanced cooperation across the wider Atlantic, what concrete steps can be suggested to foster a more predictable and less confrontational international environment, particularly in light of the current geopolitical landscape and ongoing global challenges?

The global community's increasing awareness of the need for sustainable practices has positioned technology as a driving force for positive change. The integration of sustainability and innovation is a powerful fusion, challenging the traditional dichotomy between economic growth and environmental conservation. Renewable energy technologies have evolved from experimental stages to mainstream sources, offering solutions to reduce reliance on finite fossil fuels and minimize greenhouse gas emissions (GHE). Smart cities, through the integration of data and technology, optimize resource management, energy consumption, and urban planning, demonstrating that modern amenities can coexist with environmental responsibility. Also, The Internet of Things (IoT) is recognized for revolutionizing data collection and analysis, empowering decision-makers to optimize operations and make informed choices that benefit both financial and environmental bottom lines. Technological advancements are not merely an aspiration but a tangible reality and harnessing their power requires collaboration across governments, corporations, academia, and civil society to address sustainability challenges at scale. 

• How can the global community balance the benefits of technological advancements in enhancing lives with the responsibility to nurture ecosystems, and what strategies can be implemented to ensure a harmonious coexistence between technological progress and environmental sustainability? 
• What are the key challenges and opportunities in fostering collaboration across diverse sectors to address sustainability issues, and how can collective action ensure the successful embrace of innovation for the betterment of society and the environment? 
• How can public-private partnerships and open innovation platforms effectively accelerate the development and adoption of technologies, and what role do they play in addressing sustainability challenges at a global scale? 

Against the backdrop of the ongoing digital revolution and technological advances, the labour market is facing imminent challenges and disruptions, with around 50% of tasks expected to be automated by 2030. This requires a paradigm shift in the nature of work, forcing adaptive responses due to the expected metamorphosis in the way tasks are performed. The imperative for the workforce is to cultivate the foundational skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of the future of work in a digital-first environment. This requires the adoption of innovative ways of working and the cultivation of attributes such as flexibility, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset. In this context, the need to rethink education systems becomes paramount. The recalibration of pedagogical approaches and strategic investment in skills to complement technological revolutions will be crucial to ensure that education systems are attuned to the demands of the dynamic and technologically driven economic future.

• What role should public policy play in supporting the reorientation of education systems towards the needs of the future workforce?
• What competencies are essential to navigate the evolving future workforce?
• How can effective action be taken to equip the younger generation with the right skills in the face of dynamic changes in the labour market?
• What is the appropriate role of the private sector in complementing efforts to re-skill the workforce through sustainable training initiatives and adaptive learning methodologies?

The evolving dynamics of international alliances take center stage in global discussions. From the uncertainties surrounding NATO's outreach to new member states to the strategic imperatives guiding BRICS expansion, this exploration navigates the complexities inherent in the enlargement processes. 

Uncover the geopolitical implications, regional dynamics, and global consequences associated with the expansion of NATO and BRICS, shedding light on the motivations, challenges, and diplomatic intricacies involved. Gain insights into how these alliances navigate the delicate balance between security concerns, economic interests, and the pursuit of strategic influence in an ever-evolving regional and international landscape, highlighting the tensions and opportunities they generate on the world stage. Through this plenary session, we will analyze how these developments reflect the changing realities of global power and influence.

• How have the enlargement strategies of NATO and BRICS evolved over time, and what factors contribute to their decision-making processes? 
• What role do regional dynamics and geopolitical considerations play in shaping the alliances' expansion policies? 
• To what extent are BRICS evolving from an economic alliance to an alternative geostrategic alliance? 
• How do realpolitik considerations, such as economic interests and security imperatives, influence the decision to admit new members to these alliances? 

Each year, the closing plenary of the Atlantic Dialogues conference is dedicated to the Emerging Leaders, offering a unique platform for the younger generation of Atlantic leaders to articulate their perspectives on important topics. This session embodies the conference's commitment to fostering intergenerational dialogue and inclusivity within the realms of policy and leadership.

The Emerging Leaders session unfolds as a dynamic discussion: A unique blend of youth empowerment, visionary discourse, and innovative ideas. Notably, a democratic process is employed as the Emerging Leaders engage in a vote to select the peers who will represent them on the conference stage. This symbolic act not only reflects the democratic values upheld by the conference but also serves as a customary and poignant way to formally conclude the event. In essence, the Emerging Leaders session encapsulates the spirit of the Atlantic Dialogues, nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering a collaborative environment where diverse voices contribute to shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking Atlantic community.