Some of the most senior military leaders in the Indo-Pacific will be in Victoria next week to sit down with their counterparts as they work to navigate an increasingly complicated security landscape. The three day gathering will bring military chiefs, regional experts and other senior officials together for discussions about security, leadership and emerging technology. “It’s a massive deal,” said Rear Adm. David Patchell, commander of Maritime Forces Pacific. The 28th annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at the Victoria Conference Centre. 32 countries have been invited. Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, and U.S. Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, are co hosting this year’s gathering. The theme this year is “Strengthening Collective Security: Navigating Challenges in a Dynamic Indo Pacific Landscape.” The conference is intended to build understanding and collaboration among military partners and improve their ability to work together when it matters. For Patchell, some of the most important work may happen away from the formal sessions. “There will be official conversations around technology and artificial intelligence, leadership, security in the Pacific,” he said. “And then all the sidebar conversations or the bilateral conversations, building relationships between each nation.” The conference has been held annually since 1998 and moves between different jurisdictions. Victoria last hosted in 2017. While the discussions will mainly happen inside the Victoria Conference Centre, residents will see signs of the event around downtown. “There will be some motorcades. There will be some SUVs, of course. And there will be a heightened security presence downtown,” Patchell said. He expects the additional security to be noticeable but says it should not prevent people from enjoying the city. “But for most people, as they’re downtown, it’ll be a great place to be as always,” he said. More than 200 Maritime Forces Pacific sailors, soldiers and aviators will help support the conference. Patchell says the broader objective is to bring countries together to build trust and work toward peace, security, stability and prosperity across the Pacific. “These are very important leaders,” he said. “The leaders that will shape peace and security and prosperity across the Pacific with their decisions and their actions over the years to come.”
