The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic Community&#39;s central role in meeting global challenges. The Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic economic and political changes defining the twenty-first century by informing and galvanizing its uniquely influential network of global leaders. Through the papers we write, the ideas we generate, and the communities we build, the Council shapes policy choices and strategies to create a more secure and prosperous world. 
 
Founded in 1961, the Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic shifts in economic and political influence that are shaping the twenty-first century by educating and galvanizing its uniquely influential, nonpartisan network of international political, business, and intellectual leaders.&nbsp; 
 
The Council is home to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs">ten regional centers and functional programs</a>&nbsp;that advance the organization&#39;s mission.

The Atlantic Council has been ranked #7 &quot;Think Tank to Watch&quot; in the world by the University of Pennsylvania&#39;s Global Go To Think Tanks. The Council also debuted in four other categories in this annual survey of 6,826 think tanks around the world, reflecting the increasing quality of our programming and the expansion of our global reach. Our considerable momentum over the past several years has been recognized as the Council went from being unranked in this survey in 2008, to being first ranked as the #30 top US think tank in 2009, to the #17 US think tank in 2013.

Atlantic Council

On Friday, April 19 at 2:30 p.m. ET, the Atlantic Council is hosting an #ACFrontPage conversation featuring Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, prime minister of Iraq, where he will outline progress made on the US-Iraq relationship.  &nbsp;Al-Sudani will join the Atlantic Council to round out his week-long visit to Washington, DC, which will include a meeting with US President Joe Biden to discuss a number of issues, including enhancing the bilateral relationship between Baghdad and Washington, Iraqi financial sector reforms, and initiatives aimed at fostering economic development.  &nbsp;This edition of #ACFrontPage, hosted by the Atlantic Council’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/middle-east-programs/iraq-initiative/">Iraq Initiative</a>, will take place in person at the Atlantic Council Studios in Washington, DC. In-person attendance is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis through registration. The event will also be livestreamed on Atlantic Council TV, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). To join us in our studios or virtually, please complete the registration form.

On Friday, April 19 at 2:30 p.m. ET, the Atlantic Council is hosting an #ACFrontPage conversation featuring Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, prime minister of Iraq, where he will outline progress made on the US-Iraq relationship.  &nbsp;Al-Sudani will join the Atlantic Council to round out his week-long visit to Washington, DC, which will include a meeting with US President Joe Biden to discuss a number of issues, including enhancing the bilateral relationship between Baghdad and Washington, Iraqi financial sector reforms, and initiatives aimed at fostering economic development.  &nbsp;This edition of #ACFrontPage, hosted by the Atlantic Council’s <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/middle-east-programs/iraq-initiative/">Iraq Initiative</a>, will take place in person at the Atlantic Council Studios in Washington, DC. In-person attendance is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis through registration. The event will also be livestreamed on Atlantic Council TV, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). To join us in our studios or virtually, please complete the registration form.

Iraq’s Prime Minister on Building a Stronger Relationship with the United States

On Friday, April 19 at 8:00 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council will host an #ACFrontPage conversation featuring Omar Sultan Al Olama, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) minister of state for artificial intelligence, digital economy, and remote work applications.The UAE is leveraging significant resources to influence the development of AI, including with heavy investments in AI infrastructure and innovation and the appointment of the world’s first AI minister in 2017. Efforts such as these have attracted international attention, drawing interest from global industry leaders and policymakers. Olama will provide insights into the UAE’s strategy to position itself as a leader in AI readiness, while also highlighting the UAE’s contributions to the global AI landscape.This event, hosted by the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center, will also discuss the UAE’s plans to navigate the complex terrain of AI development amid global competition and the UAE’s commitments to extending AI benefits across the region, particularly into the Global South, with a focus on Africa.This edition of #ACFrontPage will take place in person at the Atlantic Council studios in Washington, DC. In-person attendance is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis through registration. The event will also be livestreamed on Atlantic Council TV, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). To join us in our studios or to tune in virtually, please complete the registration form.

UAE AI Minister Omar Al Olama on the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Please join the Atlantic Council’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a> and its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a> program for the latest installment of our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/commanders-series/">Commanders Series</a>, “A conversation with General Jim Hockenhull on an innovative UK Strategic Command.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Generously supported by Saab, this event will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. ET in person at the Atlantic Council headquarters (1030 15th St NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20005) and virtually.Join us on April 18 as Commander of the United Kingdom Strategic Command <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/people/jim-hockenhull">General Sir Jim Hockenhull</a>, KBE ADC Gen, in conversation with Forward Defense director <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Clementine G. Starling,</a> discusses Strategic Command’s priorities in today’s threat environment and future war-fighting given the changing nature of conflict.&nbsp;Register using the form on the right.As the third year of conflict in Ukraine is underway, militaries around the world are drawing lessons on war-fighting at the strategic and operational level. UK Strategic Command, formerly known as Joint Forces Command, focuses on joint war-fighting and what capabilities must be harnessed and employed to operate effectively. General Hockenhull will touch on these lessons and how UK Strategic Command has realigned for joint force readiness to combat future threats.&nbsp;Increasingly, global alliances and partnerships have become crucial to balancing amongst tensions and conflicts. The UK-US relationship, as well as NATO, AUKUS, and others, have grown in myriad ways in recent years, fostering enhanced military interoperability and aligning strategic visions. This discussion will provide insight into the UK’s perspective on the future of integration between allies and partners.&nbsp;We hope you can join us for this important and timely discussion. To register to attend in person or receive the virtual Zoom link, please complete the form on the right-hand side of the screen.<h2>WELCOME REMARKS</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://mentorfoundationusa.org/michael-andersson/">Michael Andersson</a> Board Director, Atlantic Council Head of Strategic Partnerships and International Affairs, Saab<h2>INTRODUCTORY REMARKS</h2>General James E. Cartwright, USMC (Ret.) Board Director, Atlantic Council Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Department of Defense<h2>KEYNOTE DISCUSSION FEATURING</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/people/jim-hockenhull">General Sir Jim Hockenhull, KBE ADC Gen</a> Commander UK Strategic Command<h2>MODERATED BY</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Clementine G. Starling</a> Director, Forward Defense Atlantic Council

Please join the Atlantic Council’s <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a> and its <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a> program for the latest installment of our <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/commanders-series/">Commanders Series</a>, “A conversation with General Jim Hockenhull on an innovative UK Strategic Command.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Generously supported by Saab, this event will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. ET in person at the Atlantic Council headquarters (1030 15th St NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20005) and virtually.Join us on April 18 as Commander of the United Kingdom Strategic Command <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/people/jim-hockenhull">General Sir Jim Hockenhull</a>, KBE ADC Gen, in conversation with Forward Defense director <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Clementine G. Starling,</a> discusses Strategic Command’s priorities in today’s threat environment and future war-fighting given the changing nature of conflict.&nbsp;Register using the form on the right.&nbsp;As the third year of conflict in Ukraine is underway, militaries around the world are drawing lessons on war-fighting at the strategic and operational level. UK Strategic Command, formerly known as Joint Forces Command, focuses on joint war-fighting and what capabilities must be harnessed and employed to operate effectively. General Hockenhull will touch on these lessons and how UK Strategic Command has realigned for joint force readiness to combat future threats.&nbsp;Increasingly, global alliances and partnerships have become crucial to balancing amongst tensions and conflicts. The UK-US relationship, as well as NATO, AUKUS, and others, have grown in myriad ways in recent years, fostering enhanced military interoperability and aligning strategic visions. This discussion will provide insight into the UK’s perspective on the future of integration between allies and partners.&nbsp;We hope you can join us for this important and timely discussion. To register to attend in person or receive the virtual Zoom link, please complete the form on the right-hand side of the screen.<h2>WELCOME REMARKS</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/andersson-e1712090975918.png" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/andersson-e1712090975918.png 232w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/andersson-e1712090975918-225x300.png 225w" sizes="100vw" width="232"></figure><a href="https://mentorfoundationusa.org/michael-andersson/">Michael Andersson</a> Board Director, Atlantic Council Head of Strategic Partnerships and International Affairs, Saab&nbsp;<h2>INTRODUCTORY REMARKS</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/James_Cartwright.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/James_Cartwright.jpg 400w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/James_Cartwright-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="100vw" width="400"></figure>General James E. Cartwright, USMC (Ret.) Board Director, Atlantic Council Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Department of Defense<h2>KEYNOTE DISCUSSION FEATURING</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gen-Hockenhull-headshot-1-e1712091103748.jpg" alt=""></figure><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/people/jim-hockenhull">General Sir Jim Hockenhull, KBE ADC Gen</a> Commander UK Strategic Command<h2>MODERATED BY</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-e1712091165938-767x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-e1712091165938-767x1024.jpg 767w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-e1712091165938-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-e1712091165938-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-e1712091165938-524x700.jpg 524w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-e1712091165938.jpg 1092w" sizes="100vw" width="767"></figure><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Clementine G. Starling</a> Director, Forward Defense Atlantic Council

A Conversation with General Jim Hockenhull on an Innovative UK Strategic Command

Please join the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative, in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Royal Norwegian Embassy, for an in-person conference, “Looking North: Conference on security in the Arctic” on Monday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. ET at the Royal Norwegian Embassy (2720 34th St NW, Washington, DC, 20008).&nbsp;The rapidly changing Arctic environment, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and retreat from international mechanisms of cooperation in the region, the accession of two Arctic nations—Finland and Sweden—to NATO, and China’s growing interest and efforts to increase its access and influence in the region have altered the status quo in the High North. Maintaining a stable and peaceful Arctic as allies and partners face a new and more challenging security environment makes discussions like these more important than ever.What actions and strategies must High North stakeholders pursue to ensure lasting stability for the region? What steps must key stakeholders take in an operationally challenging environment to further demonstrate operational capabilities, deter potential aggressors, and promote cooperation with allies and partners in the region? How should Norway, Sweden, and Finland, in their transformed capacity as NATO’s northern flank, reconsider their coordination, training, and activities across the Arctic, on both an individual basis and together?​​To advance discussion on these and other Arctic security issues, please join the Atlantic Council, in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Royal Norwegian Embassy, for their annual in-person conference — Looking North. This event will bring together government officials and experts voices to assess drivers of change in the Arctic and how the United States, Norway, and its allies and partners can collectively approach security in the region. We will be joined by the Norwegian Minister of Defense, Bjørn Arild Gram, for keynote remarks. Further details on the agenda are forthcoming.This event is open to the public and will be held in-person at the Royal Norwegian Embassy. The conferencewill not be livestreamed.&nbsp;Registration is required and all guests will need to bring a photo ID for check in. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and a lunch reception will follow the conclusion of the conference.

Please join the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative, in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Royal Norwegian Embassy, for an in-person conference, “Looking North: Conference on security in the Arctic” on Monday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. ET at the Royal Norwegian Embassy (2720 34th St NW, Washington, DC, 20008).&nbsp;The rapidly changing Arctic environment, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and retreat from international mechanisms of cooperation in the region, the accession of two Arctic nations—Finland and Sweden—to NATO, and China’s growing interest and efforts to increase its access and influence in the region have altered the status quo in the High North. Maintaining a stable and peaceful Arctic as allies and partners face a new and more challenging security environment makes discussions like these more important than ever.What actions and strategies must High North stakeholders pursue to ensure lasting stability for the region? What steps must key stakeholders take in an operationally challenging environment to further demonstrate operational capabilities, deter potential aggressors, and promote cooperation with allies and partners in the region? How should Norway, Sweden, and Finland, in their transformed capacity as NATO’s northern flank, reconsider their coordination, training, and activities across the Arctic, on both an individual basis and together?​​To advance discussion on these and other Arctic security issues, please join the Atlantic Council, in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Royal Norwegian Embassy, for their annual in-person conference — Looking North. This event will bring together government officials and experts voices to assess drivers of change in the Arctic and how the United States, Norway, and its allies and partners can collectively approach security in the region. We will be joined by the Norwegian Minister of Defense, Bjørn Arild Gram, for keynote remarks. Further details on the agenda are forthcoming.This event is open to the public and will be held in-person at the Royal Norwegian Embassy. The conference will not be livestreamed.&nbsp;Registration is required and all guests will need to bring a photo ID for check in. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and a lunch reception will follow the conclusion of the conference.

Looking North: Conference on Security in the Arctic

On February 27, 2024, the Freedom and Prosperity Center will host its second annual Research Conference at the Atlantic Council Headquarters in Washington, DC. Scholars and policymakers from around the world will have an opportunity to present their research and analysis on international development and the relationship between freedom and prosperity.&nbsp;The conference will consist of remarks by keynote speakers as well as research presentations focused on a variety of issues and regions. Presenters will consist of academics from leading institutions and organizations, as well as policymakers and current and former officials representing nations from all corners of the world.<h2>AGENDA</h2><h2>Welcoming remarks</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/dan-negrea/">Dan Negrea</a>,Senior Director, Freedom and Prosperity Center, Atlantic Council<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/frederick-kempe/">Frederick Kempe,</a>President and CEO, Atlantic Council&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/michael-fisch/">Michael Fisch</a>,CEO, American Securities

On February 27, 2024, the Freedom and Prosperity Center will host its second annual Research Conference at the Atlantic Council Headquarters in Washington, DC. Scholars and policymakers from around the world will have an opportunity to present their research and analysis on international development and the relationship between freedom and prosperity.&nbsp;The conference will consist of remarks by keynote speakers as well as research presentations focused on a variety of issues and regions. Presenters will consist of academics from leading institutions and organizations, as well as policymakers and current and former officials representing nations from all corners of the world.&nbsp;<h2>AGENDA</h2><h2>Welcoming remarks</h2><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/dan-negrea/">Dan Negrea</a>, Senior Director, Freedom and Prosperity Center, Atlantic Council<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/frederick-kempe/">Frederick Kempe,</a> President and CEO, Atlantic Council&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/michael-fisch/">Michael Fisch</a>, CEO, American Securities

Second Annual Freedom and Prosperity Research Conference

Please join the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a> and its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a>program for the hybrid public launch of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/defense-innovation-adoption-commission/">Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption</a>’s Final Report on Tuesday, January 16, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET at the Atlantic Council <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/about/visiting-atlantic-council/">headquarters</a> (1030 15th Street, 12th Floor, NW, Washington, DC 20005) and via Zoom. Following the conclusion of the event, there will be a public networking hour hosted at the Atlantic Council.This event will launch the Commission’s final report which expands on the recommendations of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/atlantic-council-commission-on-defense-innovation-adoption-interim-report/">interim report</a> released in April, and adds eight vignettes which examine cases of innovation success in the defense enterprise.The event will feature remarks by Commission Co-chairs, former Secretary of Defense <a target="_blank" href="https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/1378166/dr-mark-t-esper/">Dr. Mark T. Esper</a> and former Secretary of the Air Force <a target="_blank" href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/467806/deborah-lee-james/">Deborah Lee James</a> as well as a panel with the report authors and Commissioners. The event will also honor the recipient of the Atlantic Council’s 2023 Award for Defense Innovation, which is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication to advancing the Department of Defense’s ability to innovate by overcoming challenges of adopting cutting-edge technology from commercial and defense industries.This final report advances ten policy recommendations and includes eight cases of success to demonstrate how the Department of Defense and Congress can increase the speed at which technological innovation can be transformed into capabilities in the hands of US warfighters.<h3>Report introduction by</h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/1378166/dr-mark-t-esper/">The Hon. Mark T. Esper</a> 27th Secretary of Defense; Board Director and Co-Chair of the Commission, Atlantic Council<a target="_blank" href="https://www.deborahleejames.com/">The Hon. Deborah Lee James</a> 23rd Secretary of the Air Force; Board Director and Co-Chair of the Commission, Atlantic Council<h3>Report author panel featuring</h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-macgregor77">Matthew MacGregor</a> Acquisition Subject Matter Expert, MITREFellow<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/whitney-mcnamara/">Whitney McNamara</a></h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/whitney-mcnamara/">Nonresident Senior Fellow</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-industry/">Defense Industry</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-policy/">Defense Policy</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermodigliani/">Pete Modigliani</a> Vice President, National Security and Technology, Beacon Global Strategies<h4>Moderated by</h4>Fellow<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/stephen-rodriguez/">Stephen Rodriguez</a></h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/stephen-rodriguez/">Senior Advisor</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-policy/">Defense Policy</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-technologies/">Defense Technologies</a><h3>Commissioner panel featuring</h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.westexec.com/michele-flournoy/">Hon. Michèle Flournoy</a>9th Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; Co-Founder and Managing Partner, WestExec Advisors<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insightpartners.com/team/nick-sinai/">Nick Sinai</a>Senior Advisor, Insight Partners<h4>Moderated by</h4>Staff<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Clementine G. Starling</a></h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Director, Forward Defense</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/security-defense/">Security &amp; Defense</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/nato/">NATO</a><h3>Welcome remarks by</h3>Staff<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/jenna-ben-yehuda/">Jenna Ben-Yehuda</a></h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/jenna-ben-yehuda/">Executive Vice President</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/politics-diplomacy/">Politics &amp; Diplomacy</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/security-defense/">Security &amp; Defense</a>

Please join the <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a> and its <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a> program for the hybrid public launch of the <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/defense-innovation-adoption-commission/">Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption</a>’s Final Report on Tuesday, January 16, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET at the Atlantic Council <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/about/visiting-atlantic-council/">headquarters</a> (1030 15th Street, 12th Floor, NW, Washington, DC 20005) and via Zoom. Following the conclusion of the event, there will be a public networking hour hosted at the Atlantic Council.This event will launch the Commission’s final report which expands on the recommendations of the <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/atlantic-council-commission-on-defense-innovation-adoption-interim-report/">interim report</a> released in April, and adds eight vignettes which examine cases of innovation success in the defense enterprise.&nbsp;The event will feature remarks by Commission Co-chairs, former Secretary of Defense <a href="https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/1378166/dr-mark-t-esper/">Dr. Mark T. Esper</a> and former Secretary of the Air Force <a href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/467806/deborah-lee-james/">Deborah Lee James</a> as well as a panel with the report authors and Commissioners. The event will also honor the recipient of the Atlantic Council’s 2023 Award for Defense Innovation, which is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication to advancing the Department of Defense’s ability to innovate by overcoming challenges of adopting cutting-edge technology from commercial and defense industries.This final report advances ten policy recommendations and includes eight cases of success to demonstrate how the Department of Defense and Congress can increase the speed at which technological innovation can be transformed into capabilities in the hands of US warfighters.<h3>Report introduction by</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Esper_use-1.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Esper_use-1.jpeg 623w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Esper_use-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Esper_use-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Esper_use-1-250x250.jpeg 250w" sizes="100vw" width="623"></figure><a href="https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/1378166/dr-mark-t-esper/">The Hon. Mark T. Esper</a> 27th Secretary of Defense; Board Director and Co-Chair of the Commission, Atlantic Council<figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-250x250.jpeg 250w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/James_use-700x700.jpeg 700w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></figure><a href="https://www.deborahleejames.com/">The Hon. Deborah Lee James</a> 23rd Secretary of the Air Force; Board Director and Co-Chair of the Commission, Atlantic Council<h3>Report author panel featuring</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Headshot_5.png" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Headshot_5.png 360w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Headshot_5-300x292.png 300w" sizes="100vw" width="360"></figure><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-macgregor77">Matthew MacGregor</a> Acquisition Subject Matter Expert, MITRE<figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/McNamara_Whitney4x3-225x300.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/McNamara_Whitney4x3-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/McNamara_Whitney4x3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/McNamara_Whitney4x3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/McNamara_Whitney4x3-525x700.jpg 525w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/McNamara_Whitney4x3.jpg 1536w" sizes="100vw" width="225"></figure>Fellow<h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/whitney-mcnamara/">Whitney McNamara</a></h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/whitney-mcnamara/">Nonresident Senior Fellow</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-industry/">Defense Industry</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-policy/">Defense Policy</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pete.use_.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pete.use_.jpg 500w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pete.use_-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pete.use_-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pete.use_-250x250.jpg 250w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></figure><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermodigliani/">Pete Modigliani</a> Vice President, National Security and Technology, Beacon Global Strategies<h4>Moderated by</h4><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Steve-R4x3-225x300.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Steve-R4x3-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Steve-R4x3.jpg 238w" sizes="100vw" width="225"></figure>Fellow<h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/stephen-rodriguez/">Stephen Rodriguez</a></h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/stephen-rodriguez/">Senior Advisor</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-policy/">Defense Policy</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/defense-technologies/">Defense Technologies</a><h3>Commissioner panel featuring</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_-250x250.jpg 250w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_-700x700.jpg 700w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flournoy.use_.jpg 1150w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></figure><a href="https://www.westexec.com/michele-flournoy/">Hon. Michèle Flournoy</a>9th Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; Co-Founder and Managing Partner, WestExec Advisors<figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NickSinai.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NickSinai.jpg 800w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NickSinai-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NickSinai-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NickSinai-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NickSinai-250x250.jpg 250w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NickSinai-700x700.jpg 700w" sizes="100vw" width="800"></figure><a href="https://www.insightpartners.com/team/nick-sinai/">Nick Sinai</a>Senior Advisor, Insight Partners<h4>Moderated by</h4><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-200x300.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1-467x700.jpg 467w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Clementine-Starling_Side-WEB-1.jpg 1333w" sizes="100vw" width="200"></figure>Staff<h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Clementine G. Starling</a></h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/clementine-g-starling/">Director, Forward Defense</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/forward-defense/">Forward Defense</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/security-defense/">Security &amp; Defense</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/nato/">NATO</a><h3>Welcome remarks by</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Jenna.new_-225x300.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Jenna.new_-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Jenna.new_.jpg 401w" sizes="100vw" width="225"></figure>Staff<h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/jenna-ben-yehuda/">Jenna Ben-Yehuda</a></h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/jenna-ben-yehuda/">Executive Vice President</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/politics-diplomacy/">Politics &amp; Diplomacy</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/security-defense/">Security &amp; Defense</a>

Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption: Final Report Launch

Please join the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center for a conversation with Amb. Luca Ferrari, Personal Representative to the President of the Council of Ministers (Sherpa) for the G7 and G20 Summits. This event will take place virtually on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 3:15 p.m. ET / 21:15hrs CETFollowing the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, the Italian G7 agenda in 2024 is poised to combine continuity and new key priorities, from sustaining support for Ukraine to energy security, and from migration flows to a non-predatory approach to Africa through the so-called Italian Mattei Plan, a key priority of the Italian government.In this moderated discussion, Ambassador Ferrari will share details about Italy’s priorities and assess the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Italy’s G7 presidency.The conversation will be live streamed on Zoom, Atlantic Council TV, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). To register, please registering using the form.<h3>Featuring</h3>Ambassador Luca Ferrari Personal Representative to the President of the Council of Ministers (Sherpa) for the G7 and G20 Summits<h3>In conversation with</h3>Fellow<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/rachel-rizzo/">Rachel Rizzo</a></h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/rachel-rizzo/">Nonresident Senior Fellow</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/europe-center/">Europe Center</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/transform-europe-initiative/">Transform Europe Initiative</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/economy-business/">Economy &amp; Business</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/languages/english/">English</a><h3>Opening remarks by</h3>Staff<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/joern-fleck/">Jörn Fleck</a></h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/joern-fleck/">Senior Director</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/europe-center/">Europe Center</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/transform-europe-initiative/">Transform Europe Initiative</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/digital-policy/">Digital Policy</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/economy-business/">Economy &amp; Business</a>

Please join the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center for a conversation with Amb. Luca Ferrari, Personal Representative to the President of the Council of Ministers (Sherpa) for the G7 and G20 Summits. This event will take place virtually on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 3:15 p.m. ET / 21:15hrs CETFollowing the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, the Italian G7 agenda in 2024 is poised to combine continuity and new key priorities, from sustaining support for Ukraine to energy security, and from migration flows to a non-predatory approach to Africa through the so-called Italian Mattei Plan, a key priority of the Italian government.In this moderated discussion, Ambassador Ferrari will share details about Italy’s priorities and assess the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Italy’s G7 presidency.The conversation will be live streamed on Zoom, Atlantic Council TV, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). To register, please registering using the form.<h3>Featuring</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download.jpg 225w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="100vw" width="225"></figure>Ambassador Luca Ferrari Personal Representative to the President of the Council of Ministers (Sherpa) for the G7 and G20 Summits<h3>In conversation with</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rizzo_new-headshot-225x300.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rizzo_new-headshot-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rizzo_new-headshot-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rizzo_new-headshot-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rizzo_new-headshot-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rizzo_new-headshot-525x700.jpg 525w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rizzo_new-headshot-scaled.jpg 1919w" sizes="100vw" width="225"></figure>Fellow<h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/rachel-rizzo/">Rachel Rizzo</a></h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/rachel-rizzo/">Nonresident Senior Fellow</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/europe-center/">Europe Center</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/transform-europe-initiative/">Transform Europe Initiative</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/economy-business/">Economy &amp; Business</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/languages/english/">English</a><h3>Opening remarks by</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Joern-Fleck_06-WEB-1-225x300.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Joern-Fleck_06-WEB-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Joern-Fleck_06-WEB-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Joern-Fleck_06-WEB-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Joern-Fleck_06-WEB-1-525x700.jpg 525w, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Joern-Fleck_06-WEB-1.jpg 1330w" sizes="100vw" width="225"></figure>Staff<h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/joern-fleck/">Jörn Fleck</a></h3><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/joern-fleck/">Senior Director</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/europe-center/">Europe Center</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/our-programs/transform-europe-initiative/">Transform Europe Initiative</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/digital-policy/">Digital Policy</a><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/issue/economy-business/">Economy &amp; Business</a>

Road to Puglia: Amb. Ferrari on Italy’s G7 Presidency in a Time of Crises

One year ago, many economists were convinced the US was headed for a mild recession, Europe would face a deeper one, and China would enjoy a robust rebound.What a difference a year can make.In the Eurozone recession was avoided, in the US a soft landing is in sight, and today China is struggling to regain its pre-Covid economy and avoid a crisis in its property sector.What does 2024 have in store?Seventy-eight countries, including the United States and five other G20 nations, will see voters head to the polls. War between Israel and Gaza threatens to spillover into a wider regional conflict and disrupt global shipping and energy prices. Argentina, the second largest economy in South America, is at risk of default.&nbsp;What are economists and policymakers missing? What are the key decision points and metrics to look for in the year ahead? Where will the global economy stand one year from now?Join Jan Hatzius, Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs and Josh Lipsky, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, on January 9 at 9:30 am ET for a conversation on the outlook for the global economy in 2024.<h3>Speaker</h3>Jan Hatzius Chief Economist Goldman Sachs<h2>Moderator</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/josh-lipsky/">Josh Lipsky</a> Senior Director, GeoEconomics Center Atlantic Council

One year ago, many economists were convinced the US was headed for a mild recession, Europe would face a deeper one, and China would enjoy a robust rebound.What a difference a year can make.In the Eurozone recession was avoided, in the US a soft landing is in sight, and today China is struggling to regain its pre-Covid economy and avoid a crisis in its property sector.What does 2024 have in store?Seventy-eight countries, including the United States and five other G20 nations, will see voters head to the polls. War between Israel and Gaza threatens to spillover into a wider regional conflict and disrupt global shipping and energy prices. Argentina, the second largest economy in South America, is at risk of default.&nbsp;What are economists and policymakers missing? What are the key decision points and metrics to look for in the year ahead? Where will the global economy stand one year from now?Join Jan Hatzius, Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs and Josh Lipsky, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, on January 9 at 9:30 am ET for a conversation on the outlook for the global economy in 2024.<h3>Speaker</h3>Jan Hatzius Chief Economist Goldman Sachs<h2>Moderator</h2><a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/josh-lipsky/">Josh Lipsky</a> Senior Director, GeoEconomics Center Atlantic Council

Beyond the Soft Landing: The Global Economy in 2024

The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/middle-east-programs/rafik-hariri-center-for-the-middle-east/empowerme/win-fellowship/2023-2024-win-fellowship-cohort/ksa/">WIn Fellowship</a>, part of the Atlantic Council’s empowerME initiative, is holding a virtual workshop on Tuesday, December 12th at 11:00 AM EST (7 PM KSA, Bahrain /8 PM UAE)In the dynamic startup ecosystem of the Middle East, women entrepreneurs are pivotal in driving progress and innovation. However, one of the most significant hurdles they face is accessing venture capital (VC) funding, which is crucial for the growth of early-stage and high-potential businesses.Despite a remarkable <a target="_blank" href="https://magnitt.com/research/2022-mena-venture-investment-report-50849">surge</a> in VC activity in the Middle East during 2022, female entrepreneurs have not reaped proportional benefits. A stark example of this disparity is seen in 2021’s statistics, where female-founded startups in the MENA region secured only <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wamda.com/2022/01/investment-women-founded-startups-12-cent-2-87-billion-raised-2021">1.2 percen</a>t of the total VC investments.

The <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/middle-east-programs/rafik-hariri-center-for-the-middle-east/empowerme/win-fellowship/2023-2024-win-fellowship-cohort/ksa/">WIn Fellowship</a>, part of the Atlantic Council’s empowerME initiative, is holding a virtual workshop on Tuesday, December 12th at 11:00 AM EST (7 PM KSA, Bahrain /8 PM UAE)In the dynamic startup ecosystem of the Middle East, women entrepreneurs are pivotal in driving progress and innovation. However, one of the most significant hurdles they face is accessing venture capital (VC) funding, which is crucial for the growth of early-stage and high-potential businesses.Despite a remarkable <a href="https://magnitt.com/research/2022-mena-venture-investment-report-50849">surge</a> in VC activity in the Middle East during 2022, female entrepreneurs have not reaped proportional benefits. A stark example of this disparity is seen in 2021’s statistics, where female-founded startups in the MENA region secured only <a href="https://www.wamda.com/2022/01/investment-women-founded-startups-12-cent-2-87-billion-raised-2021">1.2 percen</a>t of the total VC investments.

Demystifying Venture Capital

It is time to reframe the narrative on African successes and innovation.On December 12, high-level experts and innovators at AfriNEXT—a conference hosted by the Atlantic Council and global development company <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dai.com/">DAI</a>— will showcase the strong business case for investment in African markets, as well as the importance of situating investments and other partnerships squarely in local contexts. They’ll also share perspectives on all that lies ahead for the African continent, including the rising power of its youth, the impact of digitalization, and the threat of climate change

It is time to reframe the narrative on African successes and innovation.On December 12, high-level experts and innovators at AfriNEXT—a conference hosted by the Atlantic Council and global development company <a href="https://www.dai.com/">DAI</a>— will showcase the strong business case for investment in African markets, as well as the importance of situating investments and other partnerships squarely in local contexts. They’ll also share perspectives on all that lies ahead for the African continent, including the rising power of its youth, the impact of digitalization, and the threat of climate change

AfriNEXT: A Celebration of African Creativity and Innovation

Colombia, the world’s largest cocaine producer, has once again broken its own record for illicit coca leaf cultivation, leading to a surge in cocaine production. On September 7, the Petro Administration presented a new strategy to combat the illicit drug trade. Although cocaine consumption and prices have remained stable in the United States in recent years, surging production has led to falling coca leaf and cocaine prices in Colombia.The bipartisan <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/adrienne-arsht-latin-america-center/us-colombia-task-force/#h-steve-hege">US-Colombia Advisory Group,</a> led by honorary co-chairs Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), who serves as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), convened in 2023 to assess the current drug and security situation given the importance of this cooperation as a building block of our overall bilateral relationship. The Advisory Group’s conclusions are outlined in our forthcoming report titled “Advancing US-Colombia Cooperation on Drug Policy and Law Enforcement,” which will be released and discussed at this event.

Colombia, the world’s largest cocaine producer, has once again broken its own record for illicit coca leaf cultivation, leading to a surge in cocaine production. On September 7, the Petro Administration presented a new strategy to combat the illicit drug trade. Although cocaine consumption and prices have remained stable in the United States in recent years, surging production has led to falling coca leaf and cocaine prices in Colombia.The bipartisan <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/adrienne-arsht-latin-america-center/us-colombia-task-force/#h-steve-hege">US-Colombia Advisory Group,</a> led by honorary co-chairs Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), who serves as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), convened in 2023 to assess the current drug and security situation given the importance of this cooperation as a building block of our overall bilateral relationship. The Advisory Group’s conclusions are outlined in our forthcoming report titled “Advancing US-Colombia Cooperation on Drug Policy and Law Enforcement,” which will be released and discussed at this event.

Assessing the Future of Us-colombia Cooperation on Drugs and Security

Please join the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center virtually on&nbsp;Wednesday, November 29 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET&nbsp;for the launch of the report,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/the-global-future-of-nuclear-energy/#:~:text=Energy%20supply%20is%20an%20integral,climate%20change%20and%20air%20pollution.">The global future of nuclear energy.</a>Energy supply is an integral and essential part of modern society. Since nuclear energy provides low-carbon, baseload power, it could play a larger global role in addressing growing energy demands while reducing the risks of climate change and air pollution. Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has also highlighted energy security as a national imperative that nuclear power could help countries to achieve.&nbsp;Both preserving the existing fleet of reactors and building new advanced nuclear power plants could play a role in achieving deep decarbonization of electricity supply systems by mid-century. Public support, designs with greater inherent safety, licensing advanced reactors, and reasonable costs and schedules will be integral parts of this strategy. Nuclear power’s future would also benefit from national governments putting renewed emphasis on spent nuclear fuel disposition.This report by Matt Bowen discusses a number of actions that the United States, Japan, and other civil nuclear allies could pursue so that nuclear energy can play a larger role in overcoming the challenges related to energy demand, energy security, and associated environmental and public health risks.This conversation will be livestreamed and will be broadcast on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. To join this conversation via Zoom, please use the registration form on the page.

Please join the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center virtually on&nbsp;Wednesday, November 29 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET&nbsp;for the launch of the report,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/the-global-future-of-nuclear-energy/#:~:text=Energy%20supply%20is%20an%20integral,climate%20change%20and%20air%20pollution.">The global future of nuclear energy.</a>Energy supply is an integral and essential part of modern society. Since nuclear energy provides low-carbon, baseload power, it could play a larger global role in addressing growing energy demands while reducing the risks of climate change and air pollution. Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has also highlighted energy security as a national imperative that nuclear power could help countries to achieve.&nbsp;Both preserving the existing fleet of reactors and building new advanced nuclear power plants could play a role in achieving deep decarbonization of electricity supply systems by mid-century. Public support, designs with greater inherent safety, licensing advanced reactors, and reasonable costs and schedules will be integral parts of this strategy. Nuclear power’s future would also benefit from national governments putting renewed emphasis on spent nuclear fuel disposition.This report by Matt Bowen discusses a number of actions that the United States, Japan, and other civil nuclear allies could pursue so that nuclear energy can play a larger role in overcoming the challenges related to energy demand, energy security, and associated environmental and public health risks.This conversation will be livestreamed and will be broadcast on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. To join this conversation via Zoom, please use the registration form on the page.

Report Launch: The Global Future of Nuclear Energy

Hamas’ savage attack on Israeli civilians may have put the Kremlin’s aggression in Ukraine on the media’s back pages, but it has not diminished the threat that Russia poses to American security and prosperity. Putin’s aim today is to subdue Ukraine, but that is not the end of his ambitions. He aims to restore effective control over the countries that once made up the Soviet Union and to exert influence in the countries that were once part of the Kremlin-controlled Warsaw Pact. Put simply, he has designs on NATO allies whom we are obliged to defend.As its support for Hamas makes clear, the damage Moscow does goes well beyond Europe. The place to stop Putin—to contain him—is in Ukraine. This is the smart and economical way to defend core US interests.

Beyond the SCIF with House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner on Ukraine

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center and the Digital Dollar Project are hosting a first-of-its-kind convening of leaders from international financial institutions, central banks, businesses, technology providers, and governments on November 28 and 29, 2023.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/cbdctracker/">Over one hundred countries</a> around the world are now exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and there are approximately two hundred globally distributed stablecoins, many of which are secured by another currency, most commonly the US dollar. There is an urgent need to coordinate across the public and private sectors on the development of these assets. The conference will make progress on the core areas needed for the effective and safe use of central bank digital assets in the years ahead.This meeting will aim to establish a mutual understanding among leaders about the technology and policy issues countries must consider before issuing a CBDC. It’ll also guide leaders to outline areas of potential public-private cooperation and create a roadmap for developing global standards on CBDCs.&nbsp;Join us in Virginia as we launch new research on these challenges and bring together leaders from both the private and public sectors to outline the next steps for the future of central bank digital currency. The full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center and the Digital Dollar Project are hosting a first-of-its-kind convening of leaders from international financial institutions, central banks, businesses, technology providers, and governments on November 28 and 29, 2023.<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/cbdctracker/">Over one hundred countries</a> around the world are now exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and there are approximately two hundred globally distributed stablecoins, many of which are secured by another currency, most commonly the US dollar. There is an urgent need to coordinate across the public and private sectors on the development of these assets. The conference will make progress on the core areas needed for the effective and safe use of central bank digital assets in the years ahead.This meeting will aim to establish a mutual understanding among leaders about the technology and policy issues countries must consider before issuing a CBDC. It’ll also guide leaders to outline areas of potential public-private cooperation and create a roadmap for developing global standards on CBDCs.&nbsp;Join us in Virginia as we launch new research on these challenges and bring together leaders from both the private and public sectors to outline the next steps for the future of central bank digital currency. The full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

Future of Central Bank Digital Currency: Pathways to Global Standards

In recent years, the UAE has made considerable strides towards making its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.moccae.gov.ae/assets/24b84d14/UAE_Sustainable_framework_21.pdf.aspx">financial sector</a> more <a target="_blank" href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/20161UAE_SDGs_Report_Full_English.pdf">sustainable</a>. It has notably increased female participation in the sector through new government-led initiatives and policies, such as a mandate for publicly listed companies to include at least one woman on their boards. Following these recent improvements, the World Economic Forum’s 2023 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-companies-women/uae-listed-companies-must-have-at-least-one-female-board-member-regulator-idUSKBN2B71NI">Global Gender Gap Report</a> ranked the UAE as the second-most gender-equal nation in the MENA region. The report noted, for instance, that there has been a 20 percent increase in the number of female investors in the country.

In recent years, the UAE has made considerable strides towards making its <a href="https://www.moccae.gov.ae/assets/24b84d14/UAE_Sustainable_framework_21.pdf.aspx">financial sector</a> more <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/20161UAE_SDGs_Report_Full_English.pdf">sustainable</a>. It has notably increased female participation in the sector through new government-led initiatives and policies, such as a mandate for publicly listed companies to include at least one woman on their boards. Following these recent improvements, the World Economic Forum’s 2023 <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-companies-women/uae-listed-companies-must-have-at-least-one-female-board-member-regulator-idUSKBN2B71NI">Global Gender Gap Report</a> ranked the UAE as the second-most gender-equal nation in the MENA region. The report noted, for instance, that there has been a 20 percent increase in the number of female investors in the country.

Women in Finance: Building a More Sustainable and Inclusive Financial System

After years of negotiations, the October 17 agreement provides a series of guarantees for presidential elections in 2024. Meanwhile, the democratic opposition has coalesced around primary winner Maria Corina Machado as its candidate for next year’s vote, despite a government ban preventing her from holding office. The US government has backed opposition negotiating efforts by temporarily lifting some oil and financial sanctions on Venezuela in exchange for compliance with the agreement.The implementation of the political agreement and a past humanitarian accord, the status of electoral conditions in Venezuela next year, and the prospects for continued political prisoner releases are all key variables to follow in the coming months. With this in mind, what are the prospects for regional cooperation in support of free and fair elections in Venezuela? How will the US ensure a focus on a peaceful, democratic solution to Venezuela’s crisis, while engaging with democratic actors within Venezuela and abroad?Following the signing of a landmark political agreement between the Venezuelan Unitary Platform and the Maduro government last month, and a shift in US sanctions policy in support of the agreement, the US government is paying close attention to developments on the ground in Venezuela and whether Maduro is complying with the terms of the accord. Please join the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m. ET<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/about/visiting-atlantic-council/">in-person</a> or virtually for a conversation with Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols on the future of Venezuela policy as well as the prospects for a democratic opening in 2024.

After years of negotiations, the October 17 agreement provides a series of guarantees for presidential elections in 2024. Meanwhile, the democratic opposition has coalesced around primary winner Maria Corina Machado as its candidate for next year’s vote, despite a government ban preventing her from holding office. The US government has backed opposition negotiating efforts by temporarily lifting some oil and financial sanctions on Venezuela in exchange for compliance with the agreement.The implementation of the political agreement and a past humanitarian accord, the status of electoral conditions in Venezuela next year, and the prospects for continued political prisoner releases are all key variables to follow in the coming months. With this in mind, what are the prospects for regional cooperation in support of free and fair elections in Venezuela? How will the US ensure a focus on a peaceful, democratic solution to Venezuela’s crisis, while engaging with democratic actors within Venezuela and abroad?Following the signing of a landmark political agreement between the Venezuelan Unitary Platform and the Maduro government last month, and a shift in US sanctions policy in support of the agreement, the US government is paying close attention to developments on the ground in Venezuela and whether Maduro is complying with the terms of the accord. Please join the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m. ET <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/about/visiting-atlantic-council/">in-person</a> or virtually for a conversation with Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols on the future of Venezuela policy as well as the prospects for a democratic opening in 2024.

Venezuela 2024: A democratic opportunity

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center and the Digital Dollar Project are hosting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/geoeconomics-center/all-events/exploring-central-bank-digital-currency/">Exploring central bank digital currency: Pathways to international standards. </a>This is as first-of-its-kind convening of leaders from international financial institutions, central banks, businesses, technology providers, and governments held on November 28, 2023.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/cbdctracker/">Over one hundred countries</a> around the world are now exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and there are approximately two hundred globally distributed stablecoins, many of which are secured by another currency, most commonly the US dollar. There is an urgent need to coordinate across the public and private sectors on the development of these assets. The conference will make progress on the core areas needed for the effective and safe use of central bank digital assets in the years ahead.This meeting will aim to establish a mutual understanding among leaders about the technology and policy issues countries must consider before issuing a CBDC. It’ll also guide leaders to outline areas of potential public-private cooperation and create a roadmap for developing global standards on CBDCs.Join us on November 28th as we launch new research on these challenges and bring together leaders from both the private and public sectors to outline the next steps for the future of central bank digital currency. The full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center and the Digital Dollar Project are hosting <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/geoeconomics-center/all-events/exploring-central-bank-digital-currency/">Exploring central bank digital currency: Pathways to international standards. </a>This is as first-of-its-kind convening of leaders from international financial institutions, central banks, businesses, technology providers, and governments held on November 28, 2023.<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/cbdctracker/">Over one hundred countries</a> around the world are now exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and there are approximately two hundred globally distributed stablecoins, many of which are secured by another currency, most commonly the US dollar. There is an urgent need to coordinate across the public and private sectors on the development of these assets. The conference will make progress on the core areas needed for the effective and safe use of central bank digital assets in the years ahead.This meeting will aim to establish a mutual understanding among leaders about the technology and policy issues countries must consider before issuing a CBDC. It’ll also guide leaders to outline areas of potential public-private cooperation and create a roadmap for developing global standards on CBDCs.Join us on November 28th as we launch new research on these challenges and bring together leaders from both the private and public sectors to outline the next steps for the future of central bank digital currency. The full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

Exploring Central Bank Digital Currency: Pathways to International Standards

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center and the Digital Dollar Project are hosting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/geoeconomics-center/all-events/exploring-central-bank-digital-currency/">Exploring central bank digital currency: Evaluating challenges &amp; developing international standards.</a> This is as first-of-its-kind convening of leaders from international financial institutions, central banks, businesses, technology providers, and governments held on November 28, 2023.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/cbdctracker/">Over 130 countries</a> around the world are now exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and there are approximately two hundred globally distributed stablecoins, many of which are secured by another currency, most commonly the US dollar. There is an urgent need to coordinate across the public and private sectors on the development of these assets. The conference will make progress on the core areas needed for the effective and safe use of central bank digital assets in the years ahead.This meeting will aim to establish a mutual understanding among leaders about the technology and policy issues countries must consider before issuing a CBDC. It’ll also guide leaders to outline areas of potential public-private cooperation and create a roadmap for developing global standards on CBDCs.Join us on November 28th as we launch new research on these challenges and bring together leaders from both the private and public sectors to outline the next steps for the future of central bank digital currency. The full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center and the Digital Dollar Project are hosting <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/geoeconomics-center/all-events/exploring-central-bank-digital-currency/">Exploring central bank digital currency: Evaluating challenges &amp; developing international standards.</a> This is as first-of-its-kind convening of leaders from international financial institutions, central banks, businesses, technology providers, and governments held on November 28, 2023.<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/cbdctracker/">Over 130 countries</a> around the world are now exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and there are approximately two hundred globally distributed stablecoins, many of which are secured by another currency, most commonly the US dollar. There is an urgent need to coordinate across the public and private sectors on the development of these assets. The conference will make progress on the core areas needed for the effective and safe use of central bank digital assets in the years ahead.This meeting will aim to establish a mutual understanding among leaders about the technology and policy issues countries must consider before issuing a CBDC. It’ll also guide leaders to outline areas of potential public-private cooperation and create a roadmap for developing global standards on CBDCs.Join us on November 28th as we launch new research on these challenges and bring together leaders from both the private and public sectors to outline the next steps for the future of central bank digital currency. The full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

US-Caribbean Banking Forum

On Monday, November 27 at 1:00pm (ET), please join the Atlantic Council’s Indo-Pacific Security Initiative, housed in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, for a conversation with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. This conversation with Ambassador Jenkins will focus on the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS).Secretary of State Antony Blinken named Ambassador Jenkins as the senior official to lead the State Department’s efforts on implementation of AUKUS. While top leaders in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have established a shared vision for the AUKUS partnership, much remains to be done to realize this vision. During this hybrid event, Ambassador Jenkins will share her insights on the implementation of AUKUS, its role in US national security, and how it fits into the non-proliferation regime.

A Conversation on AUKUS with Under Secretary of State Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins

On Monday, November 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. ET/ 15:00 CET, the Atlantic Council will host a virtual #ACFrontPage conversation with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on economic integration in the Western Balkans and the region’s pathway to the European Union (EU).&nbsp; Albania, seizing a unique window of opportunity amid the shifting European geopolitical landscape, has emerged as a frontrunner for EU membership. The Albanian government, alongside its allies, has played a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine through both humanitarian and military efforts, showcasing its commitment to broader geopolitical issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this moderated discussion, Rama will share his perspective on the implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Albania’s path to EU membership, the EU enlargement process, and regional economic integration efforts.