About the Center
An independent platform focused on maritime affairs in the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea — promoting research, policy dialogue, and international cooperation.
Connecting Seas. Advancing Diplomacy.
Center for Maritime Diplomacy
The Center for Maritime Diplomacy (CMD) is an independent platform focused on maritime affairs in the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea.
CMD promotes research, policy dialogue, and international cooperation on maritime diplomacy, ocean governance, maritime trade and shipping, security, and sustainable development.
Located at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and major international shipping routes, our focus region is strategically important to global trade and international relations. CMD seeks to provide a platform for constructive dialogue and practical ideas that strengthen cooperation among countries and communities connected by these waters.
Our Vision
A peaceful, connected, and prosperous maritime region where the seas strengthen cooperation between nations.
We envision the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea as spaces for dialogue, economic connectivity, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.
Our Mission
CMD's mission is to advance maritime diplomacy and regional cooperation across the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea through research, policy dialogue, partnerships, and public engagement.
Our work focuses on:
- Maritime diplomacy and regional cooperation
- Ocean governance and the Law of the Sea
- Maritime trade, shipping, and ports
- Maritime security
- Blue economy and sustainable oceans
- Regional connectivity and maritime development
Message from the Leadership
The Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea have connected nations, cultures, and economies for centuries. Today, these waters remain among the world's most important maritime spaces.
At CMD, we believe the region's maritime challenges and opportunities should be approached through dialogue, cooperation, and diplomacy.
Our goal is to create a platform where research informs policy, dialogue builds understanding, and maritime cooperation creates opportunities for peace and shared prosperity.
We welcome governments, maritime institutions, international organizations, academia, industry, and civil society to engage with us in building stronger maritime cooperation across our region.
— Leadership, Center for Maritime Diplomacy
Connecting Seas. Advancing Diplomacy.
Who We Work With
Governments
Maritime Institutions
International Organizations
Academia
Industry
Civil Society
Engage with CMD
Explore our research, attend our events, or reach out to discuss partnership and cooperation.