Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum – 2023 begins in Colombo

The 12th edition of the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF), co-hosted by the US lndo- Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) commenced at Shangri-La Colombo on Monday (14th August 2023).

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. Maritime, Ocean and Water Security, Impacts of Urbanization and Land Security and Building National and Regional Resilience were to be discussed as well

More than 140 senior officers from defence forces and top-level environmentalists from 28 countries in the Indo-Pacific area are attending the Forum.

The inauguration of the forum was graced by the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, Senior Adviser to the President on Climate Change,  Ruwan Wijewardene, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and a host of distinguished invitees.