The 6th Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) 2021 was held by the Pune International Center (PIC) on October 28, 2021.
Highlights
This was a two-day virtual conference in which Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor delivered his inaugural address. At the conference, a keynote speech was also given by the Dr Soumya Swaminathan, who happens to be the Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization.
The 2021 Pune Dialogue on National Security was held under the theme of National Security Preparedness in the Age of Disasters and Pandemics.
In the meeting, participants discussed the impact of pandemics and disasters on India’s national security. They also proposed strategies for dealing with disasters. Conference was addressed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, Gen N C Vij (retd), former Chief of the Army Staff and Vice Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority. Discussions were also held on the role of disaster risk reduction, science and technology and urgent issues as part of national security.
Ajit Doval emphasized that intentional weaponization of dangerous pathogens is a serious concern. He also called for the development of comprehensive national capabilities, as well as biodefense, biosafety and biosecurity. He also expressed concern about climate change.
About Pune Dialogue on National Security
The Pune International Center organizes the PDNS is association with the Centre for Advanced Strategic Studies (CASS), Policy Perspectives Foundation (PPF) of New Delhi and The Tribune Trust of Chandigarh.