With the objective of strengthening regional cooperation, multilaterally addressing major transnational threats, and promoting stability and development in the hemisphere, the Chief of defense of Colombia is participating in the South American Defense Conference (SOUTHDEC 2025), which this year is being held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The first South American Defense Conference was held in 2009, marking the beginning of an annual meeting for the hemisphere's military leaders.
Over the years, SOUTHDEC has addressed key topics such as the fight against transnational organized crime, cybersecurity, natural disaster management, and cooperation in peacekeeping operations.
From August 20-21, the Argentine capital will host the 16th edition of the South American Defense Conference, a strategic meeting led by the United States Southern Command. The commanders of the Armed Forces of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay participate in this forum to analyze and coordinate strategies to address regional security challenges through the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives on multilateral efforts.
Representing Colombia, the Chief of Defense, Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados, will present the experience, technical resources, tactics, and high level of training of Colombian soldiers, sailors, and airmen for the defense of sovereignty and the execution of combined operations with international allies.
In the same way, international organizations, such as the Inter-American Defense Board and military observers from Canada, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, participate in this forum, strengthening cooperation and joint efforts in hemispheric security.
SOUTHDEC 2025 addresses two main topics. The first concerns improvements in maritime domain awareness in order to work toward enhancing freedom of navigation along the main maritime lines of communication, highlighting the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The second topic of discussion relates to the support of the Military Forces for law enforcement in the fight against transnational criminal organizations. This includes sharing perspectives, experiences from military operations, and recommendations for learning best practices, identifying potential areas for increased collaboration.
The South American Defense Conference provides a strategic environment for consolidating multilateral efforts against transnational crime and other threats that transcend borders, promoting the construction of a more secure, stable, and prosperous region.
Source: Press - Strategic Communications - general command of the military forces
