In 2024, the world reached a critical milestone: for the first time, the global average temperature surpassed 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels, exceeding the threshold set by the Paris Agreement. This turning point not only underscores the urgency of the climate crisis but also signals deeper geopolitical and security ramifications. As climate-related disruptions intensify, the international system faces multiple tipping points — not only in the environmental sphere but also in the stability of multilateral institutions, global governance, and security frameworks. 

The XXII Forte International Security Conference has a distinct mission: to illuminate the pressing security challenges of a rapidly changing world. Anchored in the broader shifts reshaping the international order, the conference emphasizes Europe and Latin America as pivotal regions in this discourse. In alignment with COP30, the event will highlight the intersection of climate action, multilateral cooperation, and security, reinforcing the role of these platforms in fostering resilience and stability amid global uncertainties. 

The nexus between climate change and international security is now at the forefront of strategic discussions. Climate change is not merely an environmental issue but a threat multiplier, aggravating conflicts, straining resources and testing the resilience of institutions designed to foster stability. Simultaneously, the world is witnessing an inflection point in multilateralism for security and defence, as rising nationalism, economic uncertainties, and shifting power dynamics challenge the effectiveness of collective responses to global threats. In this complex landscape, an integrated approach to security, climate action, and governance is imperative. 

This evolving climate-security nexus calls for critical thinking and collaborative action to mitigate its impacts on populations, governments, and institutions worldwide. In an era of shifting strategic alliances and rising uncertainty, what role should Latin America and the European Union play in addressing these challenges? The resurgence of nationalism – driven by economic recession, protectionism, and the erosion of democratic values – poses a fundamental question: Can global cooperation be strengthened to ensure stability and mitigate emerging threats? 

As Latin America’s largest international security forum, the Forte International Security Conference has, for over two decades, facilitated critical discussions on shared security concerns in partnership with Europe. This year, it expands its scope, fostering a dialogue that transcends regional boundaries and seeks common solutions to navigate the evolving international security landscape. Check out full program:

 

REGISTRATION

08:00 (BRT/UTC-3)

 

OPENING REMARKS

09:00 – 09:30 (BRT/UTC-3) | 14:00 – 14:30 (CEST/UTC+2)

• Maximilian Hedrich, Director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Brazil
• José Pio Borges, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI)
• Marian Schuegraf, Ambassador of the European Union to Brazil

 

KEYNOTE SPEECHES | Climate meets security: threat multiplier and global issue? 

09:35 – 10:50 (BRT/UTC-3) | 14:35 – 15:50 (CEST/UTC+2)

• Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, International Advisor at CEBRI, and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2011–2013), Brazil
• Brian Glynn, Managing Director for the Americas in the European External Action Service, Belgium
• Roland Theis, Member of the German Bundestag, Germany

Moderation: Danielle Ayres, Director of Information Security at Institutional Security Office of the Presidency of the Republic, Brazil

 

FLASH TALK | When might multipolarity be stable? 

10:55 – 11:15 (BRT/UTC-3) | 15:55 – 16:15 (CEST/UTC+2)

Matias Spektor, Full Professor at the School of International Relations at Getulio Vargas Foundation and Senior Fellow at CEBRI, Brazil

 

PANEL 1 | Multilateral aspects of climate change: challenges to COP30

11:20 – 12:25 (BRT/UTC-3) | 16:20 – 17:25 (CEST/UTC+2)

• María Isabel Ortiz Mantilla, State Representative and Chair of the Environmental Commission of the Congress of the Mexican State of Guanajuato, Mexico
• Emmanuella Doussis, Professor of international institutions at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, UNESCO Chairholder on Climate Diplomacy, Greece
• Izabella Teixeira, Former Brazilian Minister of Environment and Member of CEBRI’s International Advisory Board, Brazil

Moderation: Marianna Albuquerque, Professor at the Institute of International Relations and Defense, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IRID-UFRJ) and Senior Fellow at CEBRI, Brazil

 

LUNCH BREAK

12:30 – 14:15 (BRT/UTC-3) | 17:30 – 19:15 (CEST/UTC+2)

 

FLASH TALK | Global power shifts: trends and strategies 

14:20 – 14:40 (BRT/UTC-3) | 19:20 – 19:40 (CEST/UTC+2)

Speaker: Elena Lazarou, Fellow at Chatham House and Senior Fellow at ELIAMEP, Belgium

 

PANEL 2 | Transnational crime, security and environmental impacts: a complex interplay

14:45 – 15:50 (BRT/UTC-3) | 19:45 – 20:50 (CEST/UTC+2) 

• Nancy Patricia Gutiérrez, Former Minister of Interior of Colombia
• Maria Rosa Sabbatelli, Head of Unit for Global and Transregional Threats and Challenges at the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) within the European Commission, Belgium
• Robert Muggah, Specialist in security, cities, climate action, and digital transformation, and co-founder of the Igarapé Institute, Brazil

Moderation: Marcelo Della Nina, Head of the General Coordination for Combating Transnational Illicit Activities at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil 

 

COFFEE BREAK

15:50 – 16:20 (BRT/UTC-3) | 20:50 – 21:20 (CEST/UTC+2) 

 

PANEL 3 | The new geopolitics of energy: resources, security and power

16:25 – 17:30 (BRT/UTC-3) | 21:25 – 22:30 (CEST/UTC+2)

• Horacio Werner, Executive Director at Agenda Antartica, Argentina 
• Benjamin Pohl, Head of Programme Climate Diplomacy and Security at Adelphi, Germany
• Rafaela Guedes, Member of a panel of experts on Energy Transition at the Institute for Climate and Society (iCS) and Senior Fellow at CEBRI, Brazil

Moderation: Hussein Kalout, Former Special Secretary for Strategic Affairs of Brazil, Member of CEBRI’s International Advisory Board, Brazil 

 

CLOSING REMARKS

17:40 (BRT/UTC-3) | 22:40 (CEST/UTC+2)