RAWALPINDI, Feb 3: The first three-day international conference on “Maritime threats and opportunities in the 21st century” will begin in Karachi on March 4.

The National Centre of Maritime Policy Research of the Bahria University will organise the conference featuring high-level presentations focusing on issues relating to maritime threats and opportunities for preserving the freedom of seas and sustainable utilisation of resources towards benefit of the humanity.

The conference would mobilise working groups and panels bringing together scholars, professionals and experts from governments, NGOs and private stakeholders facilitating stage setting analytical papers.

The key areas of the focus of the conference would be economic and trade opportunities; maritime security and stability; and marine environment.

According to organisers, the conference was aimed to enhance awareness on importance of oceans and its resources through information sharing and mutual understanding. It would identify areas of common interest for group analysis and dialogue; mobilise consensus of opinion on emerging issues confronting the Indian Ocean maritime domain; and make recommendations to minimise threats and promote opportunities in areas of mutual interests.