14th Edition of the Atlantic Dialogues | Rabat, Morocco 2025
Type of work:
Global conference with 350 high-level senior officials and leaders from 90+ countries.
Topic:
Cooperation across the Atlantic Basin. Rethinking strategies and building a resilient, inclusive global order in the face of security and climate crises
Client:
Atlantic Dialogues ( Policy Center for the New South )
At the Atlantic Dialogues in Rabat, Morocco, global leaders gathered for a three-day Town Hall to grapple with the defining challenges of our time.
From political upheaval and technological disruption to climate pressures and youth opportunity, attendees engaged in candid, forward-looking conversations about how to navigate a world in flux.
Moderated by Nik Gowing, the sessions combined insight, debate, and practical ideas, highlighting the need for curiosity, collaboration, and innovative approaches to build a more inclusive and resilient global order.
“People were amazed. It was a real pleasure to have you as part of the journey. Your sessions were highly appreciated and contributed greatly to the depth and quality of the discussions.” ️
— Fadila Filali | Manager of Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Program
What We Achieved
Nik Gowing opened the Town Hall by framing the evolving global landscape. Attendees explored the tension between chaos, transactional power, and multilateralism.
They debated the impact of Trump-era policies and the role of coalitions beyond nation-states. Youth empowerment and hope were highlighted as crucial.
While multilateralism has historically been asymmetrical, attendees emphasized the need to reimagine it in a post-COVID world.
Discussions focused on tackling disinformation, strengthening regional engagement, balancing national interests, and using disruption as an opportunity to build a more inclusive global order.
This perspective set the stage for Conversation IV: Securing Water and Food for a Sustainable Africa. This session addressed the continent’s urgent challenges, from droughts and shifting rainfall patterns to stressed ecosystems and agricultural risks.
Attendees at Atlantic Dialogues explored sustainable, resilient, and equitable solutions, linking local strategies with regional frameworks and highlighting the role of science, innovation, and inclusive governance.
In Nik’s closing remarks, attendees were invited to reflect on the key ideas from the Town Hall.
Nik encouraged moving beyond frameworks and jargon, emphasizing actionable thinking, creativity, and new approaches in a world shaped by disruption, inequality, and anti-incumbent trends. Themes discussed included responsible self-interest, political accountability, education, governance, youth opportunity, and lessons from technology and global interdependence.
Speakers highlighted bridging the gap between policy intention and implementation, experimenting with agile governance, and prioritizing human security and inclusion.
Debates also addressed regionalization, multilateralism, securitization, and concerns about spirituality and hope for the next generation.
Key Takeaway?
The Town Hall underscored that today’s global challenges, from food and water security to political and technological shifts, require curiosity, collaboration, and bold action.
Attendees at Atlantic Dialogues demonstrated energy, engagement, and a commitment to translating ideas into initiatives that are equitable, sustainable, and impactful, leaving with a shared sense of responsibility to shape a more inclusive future.
About Atlantic Dialogues
The Atlantic Dialogues is an annual high-level gathering of influential public and private sector leaders from around the Atlantic Basin for open, candid and informal discussions on cross-regional and cross-sectoral issues.
The conference brings together a network of individuals instilled with a new “mental map” of Atlantic issues, partnerships, and potential. This is achieved through skillfully moderated discussions between the audience and expert discussants.
The Atlantic Dialogues provides an important forum for inclusive dialogue
Ready to Lead Through Uncertainty?
Whether you’re looking to develop resilient strategies or spark new conversations, we’re here to help.
If your organisation is ready to face complex challenges and lead with clarity, now is the time to act. Contact us to start a partnership that delivers insights, resilience, and positive impact.
