Commonwealth Maritime Domain Awareness Summit - 25 June 2025

CWSRG was proud to convene the inaugural Commonwealth Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Summit at Marlborough House, London.

For the vast majority of Commonwealth countries—many of which are coastal or island nations—strengthening maritime domain awareness is not just a strategic priority, but a necessity.

The dialogue, insights and thoughts of our panellists, including : Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy; E R Shurland, Executive Director, Regional Security System; Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Malta; Terry Gibson, Director, Royal Navy MDA Programme; Malcolm Glaister, CEO, Sirius Insight and Olivier Michel, VP, Unseenlabs, as well as many other brilliant contributors, made for an exceptionally interesting as well as crucial discussion.

Building on the task set by leaders at the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa - Our aim was to identify practical, actionable interventions in MDA capability building and this is what we achieved. From opportunities in leveraging new, affordable technology, to the Commonwealth as a trusted platform for information and data sharing, to the unique role the Commonwealth can play in helping bridge the small island nation capacity gap.

MDA is foundational to international and national security, economic prosperity, and environmental protection. We look forward to building on the recommendations throughout the Summit.

We are especially grateful to our Principal Sponsor, Sirius Insight, as well as to HM Government of Gibraltar and Unseenlabs for their support. And a sincere thank you to all speakers and participants.

CWSRG Communique - MDA Summit, 2025.docx.pdf

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MDA Summit Programme (4).pdf

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