12th Indo Pacific Environmental Security Forum Concluded at Colombo

The 12^th edition of the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum took place from August 14^th to 17^th at the Shangri-la Hotel in Colombo. The event was co-hosted by the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG). The dignified inaugural ceremony was graced by esteemed attendees, including the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Julie Chung; Senior Adviser to the President on Climate Change, Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene; Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva; Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera; Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana; and other distinguished guests.

This year's Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum brought together more than 140 senior officers from defense forces and prominent environmentalists representing 28 countries across the Indo-Pacific region. The four-day international conference revolved around four key themes: Climate Change and Security, Maritime, Ocean and Water Security, Impacts of Urbanization and Land Security, and Building National and Regional Resilience.

The event facilitated insightful discussions and collaborations, contributing to the advancement of environmental security and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.