The Atlantic Stakeholders Platform Conference 2024 REPORT is out!
The 2024 edition of the Atlantic Stakeholder Platform Conference (ASPC2024) took place in Bordeaux, France 21st and 22nd November 2024. The theme of this year’s conference was “Towards a sustainable and cooperative blue future”.
The conference was held as a hybrid event with physical and online participation and brought together over 200 stakeholders from different geographies to discuss future cooperation on blue economy, investments, innovation and sustainability.
Structure
Opening Ceremony
Welcoming the audience with a joint opening ceremony for the Interreg Atlantic Annual Event and Atlantic Stakeholder Platform Conference 2024.
1st Flash session | Strengthening inclusivity of the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0 and enhancing dialogue with outermost regions
This session focused on one of the Atlantic Steering Committee (ASC) French Presidency’s priorities emphasizing the importance of all Atlantic Stakeholders working together towards a sustainable blue economy in the Atlantic region. The aim was to highlight the need to advance inclusivity among all Atlantic communities (mainland and overseas territories of Europe) and present the perspectives of stakeholders from different levels of governance (European, National, Regional & Local) considering the common Atlantic objectives and their specificities.
Parallel hackathons/workshops on future projects ideas
This slot included two parallel hackathons with a thematic focus on synergies between AAP 2.0 Pillars. Specifically:
Hackathon 1: Pillar I - Ports as gateways and hubs for the blue economy & Pillar IV - Healthy Oceans and Resilient Coasts
Hackathon 2: Pillar II - Blue skills and ocean literacy & Pillar III - Marine Renewable Energy
The hackathons included a short scene setter by the Pillar Coordinators and then interactive discussions with stakeholders that exchanged ideas, examples & best practices to follow to develop future project ideas.
2nd Flash Session | Internationalisation of the research and innovation dimension of the AAP 2.0
This session explored how research and innovation can drive the internationalisation of the Atlantic Strategy, building on the Mission Restore Our Oceans and the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AOORIA). The discussion also examined the contributions of EU projects and the private sector, particularly through cluster initiatives, in supporting the internationalisation of the AAP 2.0.
3rd Flash Session | Stakeholders input to Atlantic Strategy and cooperation with other Sea Basins (WestMed, Atlantic, North Sea and Black Sea)
This session wanted to foster greater cooperation between the Atlantic, WestMED, Black Sea, and GNSBI by building on the work of the Atlantic Pillars and addressing the needs and priorities of each Sea Basin Strategy. The session featured a brief update from each Sea Basin presidency, highlighting areas for future cooperation with the Atlantic. The discussion concluded with a focus on potential synergies and future directions for cross-sea basin cooperation, supported by the EU Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism.
Atlantic Project Awards
Six awards granted in five award categories as a recognition of the projects’ outstanding performance, promoting the key priorities of the Atlantic Strategy.
Closing Ceremony
The conference ended with interventions to present the main conclusions and the handover of the Atlantic Steering Committee (ASC) Presidency.
