Event

The Red Sea is shaped by an inextricable web of geopolitical rivalries and maritime insecurity. The region is marked by confrontations involving both state and non-state actors, competition for resources, armed conflicts, state fragility, migration and humanitarian crises. Recent disruptions to major shipping lanes have underscored the growing security challenges in the Red Sea and their direct consequences for global supply chains and freedom of navigation. Together, these dynamics contribute to instability across the basin, whereby insecurity at sea is closely linked to instability on land. 

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At the same time, the Red Sea holds significant opportunities for Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the wider international community. As a key maritime corridor, it is vital for global trade and regional connectivity. Realizing this potential requires moving beyond fragmented, zero-sum, and reactive approaches. Regional and international stakeholders, including European actors, need strategies that connect maritime security, integrated governance, and sustainable economic development. 

This seminar builds on the recent eBook The Red Sea: Divided by Waters, United by Opportunities, co-published by the Mediterranean Platform (Rome), the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (Doha), and the Pan African Agenda (Nairobi). The eBook examines these dynamics through a multi-regional lens and highlights the need for more comprehensive and coordinated responses. 

Against this backdrop, the seminar will explore pathways toward a more cooperative Red Sea framework. These include harnessing “low-hanging fruit”, such as dialogue initiatives and confidence-building measures. Furthermore, gradually developing integrated governance mechanisms could strengthen trade corridors and the blue economy. Over time, these steps point toward the establishment of more ambitious institutional platforms to foster coordination, stability and shared prosperity across the basin. 

All attendees need to sign up ahead of the event. You can register here. A light breakfast will be served from 08.30.