The conference hosted by Sri Lanka to discuss regional approaches in meeting non-traditional security challenges and enhancing border security provided useful in the evolution of regional institutions to meet new security challenges, including terrorism and other transnational threats.

The Conference held in Colombo from June 22-24 was organized by the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center and the Regional Network of Strategic Centers (RNSSC) to discuss regional approaches in meeting non-traditional security challenges and enhancing border security.

Hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, with support from the U.S. Department of Defense, the conference brought together representatives from countries throughout South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Participants discussed common security challenges and mapped out a strategy to promote future collaborative research, publications, and projects.

The conference is part of a larger project organized by NESA and RNSSC that aims to develop common practices in natural and man-made disaster management and policy options for dealing with security challenges. The NESA Center, which is part of the United State Government's National Defense University, aims to enhance security in the Near East and South Asia by fostering regional cooperation on security issues, a media release from the US Embassy in Colombo said.

During remarks at the reception to participants, U.S. Embassy Chargé d' Affaires James Moore commented, "NESA has created a network that broadens the foundations of official and unofficial regional defense relationships and assists the evolution of regional institutions to meet new security challenges, including terrorism and other transnational threats. The United States is proud to work with alumni from Sri Lanka and other partners on this important initiative."

The conference and related events enabled Sri Lankan alumni from the Sri Lankan government and military to reconnect and strengthen existing relationships with other graduates of NESA programs.