"2026 Dialogue on Happy and Livable Cities & Business-Friendly Dialogue on Entrepreneurs' Sense of Happiness" held in Fuzhou, Fujian

The Sixth Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue took place in Colombo, co-hosted by the Pathfinder Foundation and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) from Switzerland. The event commenced with an address from Milinda Moragoda, the founder of the Pathfinder Foundation. The session included presentations from Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of the BIMSTEC, and a recorded message from Arief Havas Oegroseno, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

Ambassador Dr Felix Neumann, the German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, describing it as a vital maritime region connecting global economies and driving international commerce. The dialogue focused on translating policy recommendations into practical outcomes, emphasizing regional consensus on maritime governance, strengthened maritime communications, and tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Discussions also examined the Bay of Bengal as a unique sub-region within the larger Indo-Pacific, where geopolitical, economic, and ecological interests intersect. The event, attended by diplomats, experts, and stakeholders, aimed to foster inclusive policymaking and enhance scientific collaboration in maritime security.