The U.S. Department of State announced that Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Jennifer R. Littlejohn, will visit Sri Lanka from August 17 to August 31. Her itinerary also includes visits to India and the Maldives.
During her trip, Acting Assistant Secretary Littlejohn will address issues such as nature and marine conservation, plastic and air pollution, the climate crisis, deforestation, environmental crimes, civil and commercial space activities, and the promotion of women and girls in STEM fields, along with discussions on the sustainable blue economy.
In Sri Lanka, from August 19 to 21, she will meet with government officials and partners, visit U.S.-supported wildlife protection projects, and explore opportunities to connect Sri Lankans with U.S. experts in key areas such as hydrography and climate change.
From August 21 to 28, she will be in India, where she will engage with government officials on scientific research collaboration, space exploration, and combating wildlife trafficking. In Chennai, she will support river restoration through the Ambassador’s Water Experts Program. Littlejohn will also meet with businesses, research organizations focused on green technology, environmental civil society representatives, and academics working on climate resilience and clean energy projects.
Her trip will conclude in the Maldives from August 28 to 30, where she will engage with government and civil society partners to discuss joint efforts on climate resilience, environmental protection, and marine and wildlife conservation.
