The Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF) 2023, co-hosted by the US lndo- Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) commenced at Shangri-La Colombo today (14th August 2023). The inauguration of the forum, held in a dignified sequence, was graced by 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 and a host of distinguished invitees.
The four-day forum (from 14th to 17th August) is also attended by senior military personnel and top-level environmentalists in the Indo-Pacific region. The 12th edition of Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum will include presentations, panel sessions, and group activities to share lessons learned and best practices among environmental security stakeholders.
The first day of the forum focused on the theme ‘Climate Change and Security’ where the stakeholders exchanged views on developing actionable plans to address environmental security challenges. In the remaining days of IPESF 2023, the participants will continue to hold discussions under the themes of Maritime, Ocean and Water Security, Impacts of Urbanization and Land Security and Building National and Regional Resilience.
More than 140 senior officers from defence forces and top-level environmentalists from 28 countries in the Indo-Pacific are also taking part in this year’s Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum. Meanwhile, at the directives and guidance of the Commander of the Navy, the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard have made arrangements in place for the successful conduct of the event, in close coordination with INDOPACOM.
Source: Sri Lanka Navy
