International system is going through a phase of structural re-definition. Though its institutions are still somehow functioning, multilateralism is in crisis. With narrowing shared grounds, surging global military expenditures and erosion of the arms control mechanisms at hand; geopolitical landscape seems more fragmented than ever and the number of armed conflicts has reached high levels with considerably lower numbers of peace agreements getting finalized. The policy brief entitled “A New Agenda for Peace”, issued by UN last July, invites states to consider recommitting to peace. How will it be possible to reconcile differing security perceptions at the conceptual level and to reach a certain degree of convergence where UN member states will accordingly recommit to peace?

ADF Leaders’ Panel

The international system is going through an era of complex and multiple crises. Despite the expectations, rapid change and profound transformations including digitalization and technological innovations, global inequalities deepen. There is a decline in the global trust towards the current international system, defined by uncertainty and far from ensuring sustainable peace, security and prosperity for all. The need for further dialogue and diplomacy is even more compelling in today’s increasingly polarized world and diplomacy is the sole way to better understand each other, build trust and enhance solidarity for global peace, security and welfare.

ADF Youth (Night Cap) / Acun Ilıcalı

In cooperation with IE University

AI is the defining transformative force of our time, influencing every aspect of our lives. Yet the ethical implications and potential risks associated with these systems such as bias, ownership, accountability, misinformation, surveillance, risk of loss of human control on autonomous weapons persist. Tackling of these risks requires a regulatory body of global reach which will simultaneously observe progress, adaptability and inclusiveness while managing these risks. In the absence of a global super regulator, more than 70 countries have adopted national strategies. Regarding the understanding shaping those texts, the most visible divide appears to be stemming from the differential between development levels.

The Black Sea has very few resembling features to any other sea. It has always occupied a unique place in the Euro-Atlantic security considerations, before and during the Cold War with ‘friends and foes’ around it; and after the Cold War alike with ‘Allies and Partners’. The war in Ukraine has once again placed the region in the limelight. This panel will aim to address how security can be maintained in the Black Sea region, how the indivisibility of security can be achieved without regionalizing our approaches, and finally how “Allied regional efforts” can make a change.

In cooperation with S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)

The Asia-Pacific region has become increasingly complex and multi-layered as global actors become more involved, non-traditional security challenges rise and new economic opportunities emerge. Presence of both converging and conflicting interests among regional and global actors highlights the increasing importance of effective diplomacy as a tool for fostering cooperation in the region. In this session, the panelists will provide insights on the importance of building trust and confidence among different actors to achieve cooperation.

Following the two World Wars, the Middle East has been characterized by conflict and tension. The prevalent Israel-Iran and Arab-Iran dichotomies together with great power rivalries have ultimately undermined the efforts for permanent regional peace. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been situated at the core of regional disputes and the ongoing deadlock impaired substantial cooperation. The crisis that resurfaced on October 7, 2023, has rendered the need to resolve the Palestine issue based on a two-state solution more acute. Overall, this background clearly reveals the region’s need for a new vision to prioritize permanent peace and cooperation.

The Balkan region, with its geopolitical significance, rich economic prospects and diverse cultures stands at crossroads of complicated challenges and transformative opportunities. The challenges are multifaceted. Concurrently, the Balkans harbor a variety of opportunities waiting to be harnessed. Economic potential, strategic location, diverse resources, cultural richness and the resilience of the people present prospects that could contribute to a brighter future. Given the recent geopolitical developments in the Balkans, what are the current specific challenges and opportunities?

Immediate effects of climate emergency on human systems such as food security, migration and urban health pose serious threats to global sustainable development. Global community is experiencing the results of accelerating climate change in the form of heat waves, severe storms, floods and droughts as well as rise in sea levels and ocean acidification. Keeping in mind that young generations have the most at stake, there is no time to lose and no excuses for policy makers. Swift action for and immediate adaption to climate change are much needed. In this path, transition to climate resilient, sustainable and low carbon economy requires considerable shifts in strategies.

In collaboration with European Policy Center (EPC)

Ongoing global transitions have affected the European Union (EU) deeper than any other actor as its success is particularly dependent on the so-called “multilateral, rules-based” international system. The EU remains vulnerable to the systemic uncertainties and the months ahead will test its capacity to shape the global system and act as an effective geopolitical player. In this respect, the course of the war in Ukraine, the European Parliament election, the rise of populist/far right parties as well as the November US presidential elections will be key determining events. To what extent will the measures and policies adopted by the EU enhance its immunity vis-à-vis global challenges?

Global food security has always been a serious challenge, requiring coordinated and combined action at various levels. While efforts to seek remedies to cope with the economic and humanitarian repercussions of the pandemic continue, the war in Ukraine involving two major agricultural producers, poses additional threats to global supply chains. Moreover, global economic scene challenges governments when allocating financial resources to invest in agri-food systems. With the global population now exceeding 8 billion and in the shade of today’s multi-dimensional crises innovative and concerted efforts to create sustainable agri-food systems remain more vital than ever.

The panel grasps the distinct division between winners and losers of the current international system, frequently perceived as favoring certain interests. The session will brainstorm potential strategies for translating academic research into policy-making, to explore how diverse and critical perspectives can be elevated to influence real-world policy-making.

The events unfolding in the Middle East after October 7 introduced a new set of risks and affairs that put global peace and security in jeopardy. Despite unprecedented destruction and bloodshed and the relentless efforts to stop it, the conflict in and around Gaza continues unabatedly. Now the region is at a fork. One way lies lasting peace with a very positive future that Israel and Palestine live side by side in security; the other way leads to further escalation bringing even more bloodshed and misery. The OIC-Arab League Contact Group has been pursuing intense diplomatic activities to create awareness about the dangers emanating from the continuation of the conflict and urging not only the parties, but also the entire international community to bring this to an end.

The world is going through a period marked by intensified conflicts, deepened geopolitical polarization and interrupted efforts towards an international rules-based order which are shaking the global system. Failure to find peaceful solutions to successive conflicts bears the risks of further deepening the fault lines between nations and dragging the world into much larger-scale global breaking points. Peace diplomacy is much needed to counter this global spiral of violence which is depriving millions of innocent people of their fundamental rights and freedoms, especially the right to life, and to establish a more just world order. Against this background, the session which will be hosted by the First Lady will focus on the significance of the role of women in peace processes, in line with the understanding always endorsed by Türkiye that women's empowerment is necessary for a just world.

While the deadlocked peace process has been more of missing opportunities than a way to settlement of the conflict for decades, the ongoing misery, fighting and collective punishment in Gaza have rekindled talks regarding the said process.
In addition to discussions on the humanitarian, security and political questions surrounding the current situation in and emanating from Gaza, the legal sphere has come to the fore yet again. Within this framework, the interim measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in view of South Africa's application against Israel have sparked a renewed debate on whether legal and diplomatic means may indeed restore confidence in global institutions and mechanisms.

The world is profoundly shifting towards a deteriorating peace and security environment where the nature and drivers of conflicts are fast changing. Current climate of uncertainty in international politics and the sense of urgency in the need for peace require the art of diplomacy to present new and enterprising approaches in peace mediation. Diplomacy today must re-visit its old tool-box for resolving conflicts between states. It must also reinvent and adapt itself to the new and evolving nature of inter-state conflicts. This panel will discuss current challenges in the conflict landscape and innovative ways of ensuring effective mediation for peace.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has become the flagship cooperation platform for the Turkic World. Driven by a strong political commitment to deepen cooperation based on regional ownership and common identity, the OTS has evolved, over the course of three decades, from a “cooperation initiative” into a “full-fledged international organization”. Today, the OTS devises policy frameworks in areas such as customs procedures, connectivity, energy security and others to address certain challenges. Preparedness, resilience, capacity for adaptation and transformation across a spectrum of political, economic and cultural domains are key concepts for the future of OTS.

In cooperation with Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI)

The shifts in political power that have been going on in several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean over recent years have been defined by some analysts as a new transformational era and more political diversification. The potential of the Region is coupled with and even overshadowed at times by chronic and interconnected problems. Political stability, regional cooperation and solidarity will be more important and necessary than ever in the near future. Diversification and deepening of regional co-operation and introducing solutions to the existing issues through dialogue and regional integration will create a much-needed space for bringing out the true potential of this promising Continent.

In collaboration with UCLG and the Metropolitan Municipality of Konya

As local and global matters are increasingly more intertwined, local implications of global issues today are more obvious. Thus, local actors keep expanding their reach and ambitions to offer solutions, for challenges that were traditionally perceived as beyond their domain. At the 7th UCLG World Congress in the Republic of Korea (2022), elected representatives of cities and local governments adopted “The Pact for the Future of Humanity”, reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, solidarity and social justice. This panel will discuss the role that local governments could play to advance main global strategies.

The 45 LDCs of approximately 880 million inhabitants continue to face major obstacles to their sustainable development. They have been disproportionately affected by the global geopolitical, economic, environmental and health crises posing major setbacks to implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. With only seven countries having graduated at the end of five decades, pressing need for new approaches to empower the LDCs becomes more apparent. Rescuing the SDGs and keeping the promise of leaving no one behind will depend on effective mechanisms to support the LDCs. This panel aims to take stock of new initiatives to that end and reflect on how to fulfil commitments to overcome the severe structural impediments the LCDs are facing.

In collaboration with The International Institute for Justice & the Rule of Law (IIJ)

Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, remains a pervasive threat recognizing no borders. Ability or terrorist groups to adapt their modus operandi to the changing international security environment makes it a more complex and transboundary challenge requiring a collective global response. This is where diplomacy comes into play. In the absence of an internationally agreed definition of terrorism, the primary objective of diplomacy should be to develop a common understanding and an effective joint action in countering this scourge. This panel will discuss how counter-terrorism diplomacy can be enhanced so as to better contribute to international efforts in fighting against terrorism.

In cooperation with Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK)

Regional cooperation areas in Eurasia today include a multitude of fields such as confidence building measures, political consultations, counter-terrorism cooperation but also customs simplification, trade facilitation, better connectivity or energy supply security. The Global Gateway intends to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems. Transport of energy resources highlights common interests. New initiatives accentuate the need for further clarity, coordination and productivity between the existing ones for regional ownership, infrastructure investments and energy supply security.

According to the UN figures, the number of migrants (281 million) corresponds 3.60% of world’s population. Meanwhile, the number of refugees has surpassed 36.4 million. This displacement stems from wars, conflicts, poverty, economic crises, famines and climate change. The issue of migration needs a far more comprehensive approach. International cooperation and responsibility-sharing are two main pillars of better and sustainable migration management. This panel will discuss the steps that can be taken to bring sustainable solutions to the challenges of migration and to address its root causes.

In the Sahel, more than a decade of various forms of international interventions has not reversed the course of violence and insecurity. Political, economic and social challenges overwhelm states’ endeavors for stability and sustainable development. Significant increase in the attacks in the region, specifically in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and negative spillover effects in the coastal West African states underline the need for collective efforts and sound multilateralism. Recognizing essentiality of regional ownership and cooperation, countries of the region are taking a number of initiatives. As far as the international community is concerned, support to African-led efforts that will meet the genuine needs of their peoples and governments is essential.

ADF Leaders’ Panel

In the face of existing and newly emerging challenges, multilateralism is presented with a grave test which puts international cooperation at a crossroads. No country, no matter how powerful, is able to address these challenges alone. The preventive and remedial role and efforts of global and regional organizations are needed more than ever. It is high time to reimagine multilateralism in a constructive and innovative way to implement effective global governance and to accelerate the efforts to reform the UN system. The challenge of adaptation is equally relevant for regional organizations.

Africa is experiencing current global challenges much more severely and disproportionally, though the Continent actually has the potential for a better future. Having a growing young population, vast natural resources and arable lands, the Continent stands out against the 21st century challenges in terms of human capital, economic potential and diplomatic tradition akin to multilateralism. All in all, there is no better place than Africa to start mobilizing our collective capacities to achieve a fair global order, efficient governance, clean environment and sustainable development.

Racism, xenophobia and hatred against Islam remain to be relevant threats to social peace and stability all over the world. “Islamophobia” is gaining more ground each passing day. The rise of far right movements, coupled with Islamophobia form a spiral of misunderstanding and mistrust at societal level. The discussions should be freed from the limits of one legal right versus another. This alarming trend underlines the need for raising global awareness and collective efforts to ensure mutual respect and understanding. This panel will treat effective policy approaches and tools in our fight against racism, xenophobia and hatred against Islam.

Syria, already a hotbed of a variety of problems, is prone to be exposed to further instabilities. The developments at security, political, economic and humanitarian fronts mark the vehemence of situation on the ground. In the view of magnified and complicated challenges in the Syrian theatre, the time is ripe for the international community to have reenergized focus on the Syrian file on the basis of UNSCR 2254 and to discuss the options of leading the way for construction of a national consensus in the country.

Implementation of suitable tools is required to contribute to harmony between neighbouring societies in a given region, strengthening the grounds of legitimacy for boosting cooperation. It is at this very stage that culture and education appear as the most convenient domains to ignite this cooperation between countries via regional organizations. Education and culture can effortlessly create common grounds allowing youth mobility while creating unmatched opportunities to transmit the idea of cooperation onto future generations. This requires innovative approaches and re-calibration of soft power tools in service of diplomacy and in particular of regional cooperation.

In cooperation with Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

In the Sahel, more than a decade of various forms of international interventions has not reversed the course of violence and insecurity. Political, economic and social challenges overwhelm states’ endeavors for stability and sustainable development. Significant increase in the attacks in the region, specifically in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and negative spillover effects in the coastal West African states underline the need for collective efforts and sound multilateralism. Recognizing essentiality of regional ownership and cooperation, countries of the region are taking a number of initiatives. As far as the international community is concerned, support to African-led efforts that will meet the genuine needs of their peoples and governments is essential.

In cooperation with Atlantic Council

The global energy landscape has drastically changed in 2022. We are witnessing a shift of paradigms in energy geopolitics. The war in Ukraine has deeply impacted global energy markets and politics. There is no predictability in the volatile energy markets. Clean energy transition and net zero emission targets remain relevant and important while energy supply security is back on top of the global agenda. The priority is to secure uninterrupted, affordable and sustainable energy supply. Under these circumstances, closer cooperation is needed and enhancing strategic dialogue among all has become imperative.

In collaboration with Turkish Space Agency (TUA)

The interplay of Space Diplomacy, Space Economy, and Space Law emerges as a critical nexus in shaping the future of humanity's space journey. This panel invites exploration into the multifaceted realm where international relations, economic considerations, and legal frameworks converge in the vastness of outer space.

The European security architecture is fraught in both its conventional and strategic elements. Erosion of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation architecture has negatively impacted strategic stability, as well. In fact, many existing arms control and disarmament instruments have either weakened or ceased to exist, particularly from 2007 onwards.

Prevention and escalation management have become even more important, since risk reduction mechanisms are no longer functioning. As to how things got here, there are different interpretations. NATO remains the essential and primary forum for consultations, planning and action among Allies on security and defense matters. In turn, OSCE is the inclusive and comprehensive dialogue platform for security and cooperation throughout its region.

The present and future of the European security architecture require urgent attention. This panel aims to generate fresh and results oriented constructive thinking on this vital topic.

In cooperation with DiploFoundation

Diplomacy has gone out of its traditional remit and broadened its scope with new topics, actors and stakeholders. In this vein, science and technology have become ever more relevant on the agenda of diplomats around the world, from climate change to cyber security, from pandemic to digitalization. It is also important to secure ethical and humane use of science and technology to the benefit of entire humanity, including the prevention of their malicious use. How can we make better use of the interaction between technology, science and diplomacy? How can emerging technologies be better governed globally?

Although the so-called “Global South” comprises a diversity of countries, they share similar concerns including inequality among members of the international community, lack of progress on SDGs, gaps in climate finance, technological transformation and institutional capacity building, food insecurity as well as soaring energy prices. They are also concerned with underrepresentation and exclusion from global governance and decision making. Better understanding of concerns and priorities of the Global South is a pressing need for an effective and just international order. This panel will discuss how these concerns could be addressed and how these countries could contribute to reforming of international institutions.

Efforts towards reviving effective multilateralism and genuine international cooperation have been at the forefront without tangible results. Meanwhile, in a world electronically connected yet so fragmented, the failure to resolve inevitably gives way to ad hoc cooperation schemes on a limited range of common interests. Regional ownership and cooperation are indeed key for finding effective remedies as long as they complement an effectively functioning rules-based multilateral system.

How do regional mechanisms contribute to building trust, securing peace and enhancing prosperity at the regional level and beyond? What are the comparative advantages of regional cooperation schemes? How can we ensure coherence and complementarity between regional and multilateral structures?

Women have always been at the forefront in global governance and largely contributed to diplomacy all around the globe. Yet, their role has been overlooked for many decades. United Nations finally declared 24th June “International Day of Women in Diplomacy” to underline gender equality and recognition of women’s representation in such a male-dominated career. In an effort to fill the gap, this panel is intended to present the female perspective in diplomacy especially for scholars working on diplomacy and/or those aspiring to choose the profession. Esteemed panellists consist of female Turkish Ambassadors who served in various countries in the world. The indispensable role of women in Turkish Foreign Ministry and in bilateral and multilateral decision-making, gendered understanding of public diplomacy, balancing family and work are some of themes to be discussed.