Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBsWy86fzg0

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Andrea Sanke - Journalist and Senior Presenter for TRT World

Panelists:

• Emine Erdoğan - First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye
• Jean-Paul Carteron - Ambassador, Executive President and Founder of the Crans Montana Forum
• Peter Maurer - President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• Bineta Diop - Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security
• Filippo Grandi - UN High Commissioner for Refugees
• Martine Moise - Former First Lady of Haiti

The panel titled “Strengthening solidarity and promoting peace through soft power” focused on the importance of cohesiveness in the international community, as well as several facets of effective soft power.  International institutions could better serve the world if member countries focused less on themselves and more on appreciating, respecting, and supporting other countries, panelists said.  They pointed to humanitarian aid, cultural influences, and traditional diplomatic dialogues as different categories of soft power.  They contrasted soft power with hard power and urged countries to move away from the latter and toward the former.  They argued that in a world where approximately two billion people live in conflict zones today, soft power can aid in bringing people together and focusing on their commonalities.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVRbrOSQPTA

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: Maria Ramos - Anchor and Journalist for TRT World

Panelists:

• Vjosa Osmani - President of the Republic of Kosovo
• Julius Maada Bio - President of the Republic of Sierra Leone
• Edi Rama -Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania

The leaders’ panel titled “Regional and global pathways to peace and prosperity” focused on the need for the international community to come together and work more effectively to support each other.  Panelists agreed that all countries, regardless of size or status, need to have a voice in international organisations and suggested that strengthening the representation of African countries in the UN Security Council would be appropriate.  Cooperation during the pandemic has not been entirely successful, they noted, but they were hopeful that current world events and especially the war in Ukraine will be a wake-up call that conflict can arise anywhere and countries need to proactively work together to prevent and resolve it.  Panelists noted that other conflicts and crises in the world have not always been given the necessary attention and agreed with the idea that “instability anywhere is instability everywhere”.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsVmMU6e5_A

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: David Foster - Anchor for TRT World

Panelists:

• Umaro Sissoco Embalo - President of Guinea-Bissau
• Kiril Petkov - Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Marija Pejčinović Burić - Secretary General of the Council of Europe
• Albin Kurti - Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo

The leaders’ panel titled “Representing Change” focused on ways to bring about change within a country, from the perspective of leaders recently mandated by voters to effect change in their countries. Panelists agreed on the importance in policy-making of including both younger people for their energy and older people for their wisdom. Among the topics discussed were how to persuade smart young people to stay in their country (or come back); how to install an attitude of fighting for a cause; and how to address specific challenges such as unemployment, misinformation, corruption, and chronic instability.

#ADFLEADERSPANELS

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pMq7zBuXns

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: Ghida Fakhry - Editor for TRT World

Panelists:

• - Jens Stoltenberg - Secretary General of the NATO
• - Mohamed Bazoum - President of the Republic of Niger
• - Borut Pahor - President of the Republic of Slovenia
• - Denys Shmyhal - Prime Minister of Ukraine (via VTC)

The panel titled “Price of Peace or Cost of War” was chaired by Ghida Fakhry (TRT World), hosts were Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal who joined the session via videoconference, and the Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, President of Slovenia Borut Pahor, and President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum who attended the discussion in person. The moderator asked the panelists their own interpretations of the “price of peace”, what price they were willing to pay and whether it was worth the sacrifice. In the panel, amidst the war in Ukraine, NATO membership of Ukraine, humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the effects of war around the world were discussed.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCq_bMZrUlk 

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Imran Garda - Presenter and Correspondent

Panelists:

• Abdulaziz Kamilov - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• Amir Khan Muttaqi - Acting Foreign Minister of the Interim Government of Afghanistan
• Kamil Aydın - Member of the Türkiye Grand National Assembly (TGNA)

The panel focused on the impact of the Taliban takeover and provided insights on the challenges that Afghanistan faces. Drawing attention to the urgent need to step up efforts to alleviate the humanitarian and economic crisis, the panelists pointed out that the stability of Afghanistan, which suffered more than 40 years of violent conflict, is essential not only for the Afghan people, but also for the stability of the wider region. The panelists acknowledged that all stakeholders should draw lessons from the past in terms of political inclusivity, human rights and avoiding resorting to violence.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdPbGnAeEsE 

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Imran Garda - Presenter and Correspondent

Panelists:

• Wamkele Keabetswe Mene - Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
• Jeje Odongo - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda
• Jean-Claude Gakosso – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad of the Republic of the Congo
• Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo - Ambassador, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba

On the basis of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which entered into force on 1 January 2021, the panel discussed: the instrumentality of the single market in eradicating poverty; the impact of the AfCFTA on structural issues through providing a new continental vision for development, by creating opportunities beyond business and facilitating the movement of goods and services; the role of the AfCFTA in alleviating poverty, social injustice and terrorism; its contribution in trade with non-African countries; whether free trade denotes fair trade; whether the AfCFTA will generate similar positive results like the European Free Trade Area.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKHB12m38CY

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator:  Ong Keng Yong - Ambassador, Executive Deputy Chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)

Panelists:

• Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof - Minister II of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam
• Karin Kneissl -Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria
• Altay Atlı - Research Associate, Asian Studies Center, Boğaziçi University

Panelists discussed impacts of increasing great power competition in the Asia-Pacific, a region which is home to 4 billion people, most significant global transit routes and rising economies.

Demography and geography are highlighted as unchangeable but determining factors in international relations. Mention was made to the irreversible process of interdependence as a positive dynamic, which could at times become “weaponized”, as witnessed in the case of sanctions implementation. Growing importance of preventive diplomacy and effective multilateralism was underlined. Cautions expressed against the possibility that the countries of the region might eventually be forced to choose sides.

Special emphasize was placed on the centrality of ASEAN. The need to conclude the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea was mentioned.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMPANiw-RRY 

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Ali Aslan - International TV Presenter and Journalist for TRT World

Panelists:

• Fuad Hussein - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Iraq
• Abdallah Bou Habib - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Lebanese Republic
• Riad Malki - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine
• Alexander Schallenberg - Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria

In the panel, it was pointed out that the solidarity and attention world demonstrated with Ukraine was not seen in Palestine, Iraq or Lebanon. Normalization process between Israel and some Arab countries and the recent steps taken in Türkiye’s relations with Israel were compared in the panel. It was expressed that the rapprochement between Türkiye and Israel is considered as favourable by the Palestinians because of the thaw in relations between these two countries could provide a chance to Türkiye for playing a mediatory role between Israel and Palestine. Pointing to the progress made in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA, it was stated that this would contribute significantly to the establishment of an environment of trust among the countries in the region. On the recent disagreement between Lebanon and the Gulf states, support was declared to the Kuwaiti initiative. It was stressed that the attitude emerged in the context of developments in Ukraine in the international community for a strong multilateralism, may set an example for a solution to the issues in the Middle East in future. It was emphasized that the regional countries should take initiative to solve the regional issues.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3oWZLNoShU

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Andrea Sanke - Journalist and Senior Presenter for TRT World

Panelists:

• Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
• Mbella Mbella - Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon
• Hakkı Akil - Board Member and Chief Advisor to Chairman of Çalık Energy

Combating climate change has become a globally urgent challenge in recent years. In the meantime, decarbonisation, energy transition and carbon neutrality are the issues in the frontline. Within the margins of the panel, how to manage energy transition process and the ways to curb climate change were discussed. Panelists drew attention to the fact that the least developed countries are the most affected by climate change despite contributing very little to this challenge. It was also highlighted that no one should be left behind and these countries have to be supported during energy transition process. 

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gYvUZJZFnQ 

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Brenda Shaffer - Senior non-Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council

Panelists:

• Parviz Shahbazov - Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Alparslan Bayraktar - Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye
• Matthew Bryza - Ambassador (R), USA

The concept of energy security has again become the major challenge and one of the priorities in the global energy agenda. In the meanwhile, decarbonisation and energy transition ambitions and pathways continue to be on the global agenda. In the panel energy security and energy transition concepts were discussed in the light of high prices and turbulence in the energy markets. Following the Ukrainian war, the role of Turkey and Azerbaijan in meeting the energy needs of Europe and the region has been elaborated; particular emphasis was made to the Southern Gas Corridor and its possible capacity increase.

In cooperation with TOBB

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa2OwJWeJzM

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Maria Ramos - Anchor and Journalist for TRT World

Panelists:

• Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri -Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates
• Ayhan Zeytinoğlu - Vice President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye
• Pornchai Danvivathana - Secretary General of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue
• Luc Frieden - President of Eurochambres
• Gürcan Karakaş - CEO, TOGG

The current global challenges such as the pandemic and climate change remind us of the urgency of the green transition for a better, inclusive and sustainable development. The ongoing regional tensions and conflicts further exacerbate the supply chain insecurity. Panelists discussed the importance of dialogue and cooperation towards transition to a greener economy with technology at its heart. They stressed that while decreasing the dependency on the traditional energy resources, the process of switching to the renewables also needs to be accelerated. Panellists also emphasized the importance of the public-private partnership and education for a smooth and inclusive transformation.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqzu2hJDdm8 

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Alican Ayanlar - Presenter and Correspondent for TRT World

Panelists:

• Irina Vlah - Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gaguzia of the Republic of Moldova
• Hikmat Hajiyev - Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan -
• Gökhan Yücel - Head of Department, Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
• Matthias Lüfkens - CEO of Digitips

Panelists stated that the spread of disinformation is an extremely important issue in the post-truth world; that there is no doubt technological advancements have improved our lives, but the internet and cyberspace act as the global driver of information dissemination; that the disinformation phenomenon is not a new concept and dates back to the Roman period, that the spread of disinformation through the social media has increased not only the scope but also the rate and accessibility of disinformation; that people will naturally continue to spread disinformation, that global regulation and control are important in the fight against disinformation, and that digital literacy and media literacy should be given more importance.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-eedF65Eww

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Paula Martínez - Research Project Coordinator, IE University

Panelists:

• Sim Ann - Senior Minister of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore
• Ali Taha Koç - Head of the Digital Transformation Office at the Presidency of Türkiye -
• Glen Gilmore - Social Media Influencer and Digital Marketing Consultant
• Çağlayan Çetin - President of Trendyol Group
• Gašper Hrastelj - Secretary General, Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO- Governmental Focal Point for the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI)

The session started with a virtual projection on the Metaverse platform where all panelists wore VR headsets. Panelists later shared their views on what Metaverse is, on the ethics of artificial intelligence, on the scope of legal regulations that can be implemented on digitalization, on the role of the private sector, mainly of e-commerce industry, on positions adopted by the governments, on the problems caused by the lack of opportunities provided by digitalization, on the methods that might be developed through fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the internet of things in order to increase living standards.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK8eLvjj-N8

Date : 12 March 2022

Moderator : David Foster - Anchor for TRT World

Panelists :

• Artis Pabriks - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
• Josep Borrell Fontelles - EU High Representative / Vice-President of the EU Commission
• Ivan Korčok - Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
• Arancha González Laya - Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain

The panelists discussed the security of Europe, the concept of strategic autonomy and efforts to increase security and defence capacity of the EU, within the scope of the current developments in Ukraine. Possible contributions of EU candidate Türkiye to the strategic autonomy and the enhancement of EU’s security and defence capacity, as well as Türkiye-EU relations were also assessed.

#ADFTALKS

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSBajpxZYl4

Date: 11 March 2022

Host: Ali Aslan - International TV Presenter and Journalist for TRT World

Guest: Olivér Várhelyi - European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

At the ADF Talks with Oliver Varhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement as guest, EU’s enlargement policy, Ukraine’s EU membership application and the accession processes of the Balkan countries were assessed in view of the current developments.  Türkiye’s accession process, relations between Türkiye and the EU and potential cooperation areas, particularly cooperation on migration were also discussed. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı briefed on the current state of Türkiye-EU relations and reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to EU membership.

#ADFLEADERSTALK

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XD3y_jZr8

Date: 12 March 2022

Host: Nafisa Latić - Presenter for TRT World

Guests:

• Sefik Džaferović - Bosniak Member of the Presidential Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Milorad Dodik - Serbian Member of the Presidential Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the “ADF Leaders’ Talk”, it was emphasized that the security, stability and unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are frequently on the agenda recently, all ethnic groups in BiH have concerns about the future of the country, the developments in Ukraine could negatively affect BiH, it is expressed in the international fora that the country should be supported, there will be elections in BiH this year, Türkiye plays a constructive role in terms of BiH and supports the EU and NATO membership of the country, President Erdoğan, especially, is a leader whom all parties can trust. Mr. Džaferović, Bosniak member of the Presidential Council, argued that existing gains of BiH are important and should be respected, and this should be the way to move forward. Mr. Dodik, Serbian Member of the Presidential Council, asserted that BiH should become a country that takes its own decisions, not a country that solutions are imposed.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gTthVRHN1I

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: Imran Garda - Presenter and Correspondent

Panelists:

• Abdisaid Muse Ali -Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia
• Awn Al-Khasawneh -Former Member of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Former Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
• Eirik Bjorge - Professor of Law, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
• Harry Tzimitras - Senior Fellow of the Global Energy Center, Atlantic Council, Washington D.C.
• Yücel Acer - Professor, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University

The paneslists discussed the settlement of maritime boundary delimitation disputes under international law in a wider geographical context, including Somalia-Kenya, Eastern Mediterranean and South China Sea disputes. The participants emphasized the importance of all peaceful means including joint development arrangements and the need to take into account special circumstances.

#ADFTALKS

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e9T6f3XhuY

Date: 11 March 2022

Host: Maria Ramos -Anchor and Journalist for TRT World

Guest: Miguel Ángel Moratinos -UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations

At the ADF Talks, Miguel Moratinos, High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations emphasized that it is important to build bridges and keep communication channels open between different cultures and identities in order to prevent and resolve conflicts. The Alliance of Civilizations was established to build bridges between different cultures, religions and civilizations. The confrontation between East and West has once again come to the forefront. What happens in Ukraine today is a failure of diplomacy and results in the suffering of Ukrainian people. The West and Russia need to understand each other better. The UN needs to be reformed in order to respond to the current needs.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw45OzovLzM

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: David Foster - Anchor for TRT World

Panelists:

• Filippo Grandi - UN High Commissioner for Refugees
• Amin Salam, Minister of Economy and Trade for the Republic of Lebanon
• Savaş Ünlü - Director General, Presidency of Migration Management, Türkiye
• Leyla Kayacık, Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees
• Martijn Pluim - Director, Migration Dialogues and Cooperation, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)

In the panel named “Addressing irregular migration: A holistic approach” the phenomenon of migration was discussed in its various forms. Speakers acknowledged the fact that migration needs to be responded with a holistic approach, since it brings variety of challenges in different aspects of life both for refugees and for the hosting countries. The speakers have also agreed that the politicization of migration and lack of common understanding in the migration management exacerbate the existing challenges. The generosity of Türkiye towards migrants and the responsibility it shoulders was once again appreciated while the necessity for fair-burden sharing was emphasized.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vxFbV0MYHM

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Thomas Wuchte - Executive Secretary of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ)

Panelists:

• Süleyman Soylu -Minister of Interior of the Republic of Türkiye
• Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani -Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain
• Sylvie Baïpo-Temon - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans Abroad of the Central African Republic
• Simeón Oyono Esono Angué - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Thomas Wuchte, Executive Secretary of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) moderated the panel organized in cooperation with the IIJ. Wuchte put emphasis on the UN Global Countering Terrorism Strategy whereas the speakers drew attention to the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, which is not sufficient in the current conjuncture. They gave the message that unless all international actors demonstrate sincere cooperation on the issue, it would not be possible to eliminate this scourge, and that the negative effects of climate change on access to natural resources might present different challenges in the context of the fight against terrorism in the coming period.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAELSGUsjR0

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Ali Aslan - International TV Presenter and Journalist for TRT World

Panelists

• Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor - Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa
• Volkan Bozkır - Ambassador (R), President of the 75th UN General Assembly, Türkiye
• Gjorge Ivanov - Former President of the Republic of North Macedonia
• Ayşe Cihan Sultanoğlu United Nations Representative to the Geneva International Discussions (UNRGID)

The panelists emphasized that despite its shortcomings, there is no other global organization that can replace the UN. The UN fulfills an important task in a wide area, especially in the field of humanitarian aid, but has difficulties in writing a success story on political issues due to the blockage in the decision-making mechanisms. The problems of the 21st century can only be solved with the tools of the 21st century. The UN Security Council should be reformed. The role of the General Assembly, the largest and most democratic organ of the UN, is important. It is difficult to implement the reforms without the necessary political will.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHIhyi4ZfQc

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Maria Ramos - Anchor and Journalist for TRT World

Panelists:

• Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi - Deputy Speaker of Parliament of the State of Israel
• Stanislav Raščan - State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Acting as Minister for Development Cooperation of the Republic of Slovenia
• Bineta Diop - Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security
• Zeynep Alemdar - Professor, Dean, BASF, Okan University

At the panel, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi stressed the importance of women representation in critical areas of decision-making processes and expressed the need for training programmes specifically designed for young women aspiring to be politicians.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Stanislav Raščan emphasized the significance of women inclusion in the area of diplomacy. 

Special Envoy of the Chairsperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security, Bineta Diop underlined the role of “African Women Leaders Network” in creating a support system for youth where experienced female politicians coach and mentor young women. 

Dean of the Faculty of Business and Administrative Sciences of Istanbul Okan University, Zeynep Alemdar drew attention to the added value of women’s participation in conflict-prevention, peace negotiation and post-conflict recovery processes to achieve sustainable solutions.

The panelists expressed their hope for the creation of a platform within the ADF, which would focus on women empowerment and provide a support system for women leadership.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-jLLag9pMs

Date: 13 March 2022 

Moderator: Imran Garda - Presenter and Correspondent

Panelists:

• Mamadou Tangara - Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of Gambia
• David John Francis - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone
• İshak İbrahimzadeh - President of the Turkish Jewish Community
• Mehmet Paçacı - Ambassador, Personal Representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims

The panel explicated the dynamics generated by ethnicity, colour and religion-related dimensions of the problem. Panelists represented a broad spectrum to address racism and discrimination through a multi-faceted approach. They shared their evaluations on its contemporary manifestations. Their methodology utilized a breakdown of key domains where present-day reflections of racism occur, and criteria considered at length to eradicate it. Within this context, the panel strongly emphasized the rise of Islamophobia as a new form of racism. Analysis was categorized under conceptual assessment, actual and variable repercussions of racism and discrimination diagnosis and probable ways through, mental training and cultural dimension. 

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq98Rqipv1M

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Melinda Nucifora - Presenter for TRT World

Panelists:

• Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana
• Narayan Khadka - Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal
• Hassoumi Massoudou - Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation of the Republic of Niger
• Suzi Carla Barbosa - Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

The panel focused on the challenges to democracy in light of recent developments. The participants shared views on the effects of the military coups/coup attempts in West Africa on democratic institutions and other African countries, ECOWAS member countries’ approach to the coups, factors influencing the occurrence of coups, effects of political developments in Nepal on democratic institutions and stability, whether the idea of democracy could be interpreted differently under local circumstances.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiQL6fyidlw

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: Nafisa Latic - News Presenter for TRT World

Panelists:

• Dritan Abazović - Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro
• Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo
• Christian Schmidt - High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bujar Osmani - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia
• Olta Xhacka - Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania
• Miroslav Lajčák - EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and Other Western Balkan Regional Issues

The panelists discussed possible effects of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine to the region and stressed that peace and stability in the Balkans is crucial for Europe and beyond and peace and stability in the region is still fragile, despite some positive developments.

The participants emphasized that the EU membership processes of the regional countries have been frozen due to artificial reasons, this has caused EU to lose its credibility in the region, the developments in Ukraine have created a new momentum for the acceleration of membership processes, this positive political environment should be used positively, on the other hand,  it is important that candidate countries fulfil technical requirements while EU is taking concrete steps, if membership processes do not move forward, this will deepen the frustration and other countries would fill up the gap, the future of the region lies in the EU.  

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H45uqDr1dfw

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: Nasser Kamel - Secretary General of the Union for Mediterranean (UfM)

Panelists

• Kandia Kamissoko Camara - Minister of State, African Integration and Diaspora of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
• Lazăr Comănescu – Ambassador, Secretary General of the Permanent International Secretariat (PERMIS) of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)
• Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam - Secretary General of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation

As the world is on the way to recovery from the pandemic, there is a need to revitalize people’s livelihoods and bring economic welfare back to pre-pandemic levels, while focusing on localities. Distinguished panellists discussed the role of governments in supporting economic revival at the local level as well as the important role that could be played by regional and economic cooperation platforms during the recovery period. They stressed that post-pandemic recovery has not followed the same momentum in developed and developing countries and the focus should be given to eliminating inequalities, which have already existed even before the pandemic. Panellists also emphasized the importance of best practices that could be utilized for the post-pandemic recovery.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVY7tFPiJKo

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Ghida Fakhry – Editor for TRT World

Panelists:

• Aïssata Tall Sall - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Diaspora of the Republic of Senegal
• Albert Shingiro - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi
• Leendert Verbeek - President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
• Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović - Former President of the Republic of Croatia
• Armin Laschet - Former Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany

77 years after the UN was founded, the World is now shaken by the war between Ukraine and Russia, a permanent member of UN Security Council. While total threats against humanity like pandemics and the climate change keep challenging, effectiveness of global governance remains under question.

The panel discussed capacity and responsibilities of the UN, the European Council and the international community with regards to the crisis in Ukraine. Tall Sall and Shingiro mentioned the absence of African countries in the UN security architecture. As Grabar-Kitarović emphasized that the endeavours on UN reform should proceed with “text based” negotiations, Verbeek highlighted the importance of embracing the diversity on a platform of multiple stakeholders as in the case of Council of Europe, rather than refraining from it, as well of as acquiring the harmony of local-national-global. Upon reminding Germany’s energy dependence on Russia, Laschet stated that his country has an energy trade with Russia since Soviet period, however, this had never been a political tool during the past crises.

#ADFTALKS

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYSbVGI5-V0

Date: 12 March 2022

Host: Alican Ayanlar - Presenter and Correspondent for TRT World

Guest: Jeyhun Bayramov - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, shared Azerbaijan’s views and position regarding the post-conflict situation in the South Caucasus.

He stated that after the Second Karabakh War new opportunities were created for the region.

He indicated that normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia has peace agreement, connectivity and security dimensions, and meetings in various formats are held in the peace process.

He emphasized Azerbaijan’s support for Türkiye-Armenia normalization process and good-neighbourly relations across the region.

He expressed his belief that instead of dependence on only one format in the negotiations, having various options is more beneficial.

He also said Azerbaijan and Türkiye have excellent relations in every field, and Shusha Declaration has confirmed the already existing alliance relations between the two countries.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF-uWfLysho

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Sergio M. Alcocer - President of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI)

Panelists:

• Felix Plasencia - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
• Albert Ramchand Ramdin - Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname
• Rodolfo Sabonge - Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States
• Mehmet Necati Kutlu - Director of the Center for Latin American Studies (LAMER), Ankara University

In the panel that was held in cooperation with the prominent Mexican think-thank COMEXI, the panelists expressed their shared view that the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region has achieved significant political and economic progress in the past two decades, gaining dynamism owing to stable growth rates, diminishing poverty and reinforced democratic institutions, despite presence of some main structural problems. Having stated that the LAC region is one of the most severely affected geographies from the COVID-19, panelists underlined the importance of closer cooperation between regional countries in order to re-energize the dynamism in the region in the post-pandemic world.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eszk92IzXB4

Date: 13 March 2022

Moderator: Andrea Sanke -Journalist and Senior Presenter for TRT World

Panelists:

• Fikrim Damka - Regional Development Minister of, the Republic of Kosovo
• Salman Al Farisi - Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

David Musabayana - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe

The war between Russia and Ukraine has raised global food security concerns, which have already been high due to climate change and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains, while further complicating the achievement of the “zero hunger” goal within the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda. In the panel, it was emphasized that the developed countries should take more responsibility to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries in terms of access to food, and that further international and regional cooperation is needed to keep food supply chains open. Pointing out the importance of self-sufficiency in agriculture, the panelists stressed that measures to encourage agricultural activity should be introduced.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HovAKJFHcoo

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: Melinda Nucifora - Presenter for TRT World

Panelists:

• Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia
• Vincent Biruta - Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda
• Princess Dina Mired - Immediate Past President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
• Aykut Özdarendeli - TURKOVAC-Erciyes University

The panelists emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on societies, especially in Africa. Mechanisms such as the COVAX facility cannot fully function without effective health systems. Despite the efforts of the African Union and countries such as Türkiye, problems in the equitable distribution of vaccines persist, particularly on the African continent. The role of leaders is important. The administration of vaccines remains difficult where there is a lack of adequate infrastructure and human resources.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKuScBmk8A

Date: 12 March 2022

Moderator: Elif Bereketli -Anchor and Journalist for TRT World

Panelists:

• Jenelly Matundu -Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia
• Simeon Sakskoburggotski - Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Ömer Kocaman - Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States
• Gunay Efendiyeva - President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation
• Johny Messo - President of the World Council of Arameans

We face both opportunities and challenges in the digital age in terms of preserving the cultural heritage. The methods by the digital age, on one side, make the transfer of cultural heritage elements to the future generations easier and faster, on the other side, they also have the possibility to impede the direct contact with those elements. New methods such as the augmented reality enable the fast recognition of the cultural heritage. During the pandemic outbreak, digital means relieve people, especially youngers of total isolation. Elements of the cultural heritage elevate from the local / national levels to the global level. The new methods of the digital age play a significant role in the transfer of the elements of intangible heritage to new generations.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1zxtlQ-w68

Date: 11 March 2022

Moderator: David Foster - Anchor for TRT World

Panelists:

• Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’apala - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Pekka Haavisto - Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland
• Najla Mangoush - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya
• Luigi Di Maio - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italia
• José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero - Former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain

At the panel, Deputy Prime Minister of Congo Christophe Lutundula Pen’apala stated that the concept of justice is relative and therefore should be adopted as a universal value. Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs Najla Elmangoush underlined that justice requires hard work, ongoing process and good will. Former Prime Minister of Spain José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero indicated that justice is a principle, which has to be free from all obligations and interventions and in countries where justice functions properly, human rights were respected more. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Pekka Haavisto stated that justice could be implemented in many ways by every different society. Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, expressed the need for investing in people owned processes in order to ensure reconciliation after conflicts and adapting the systems to the local needs.

#ADFTALKS

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImI-bKncYZI

Date: 12 March 2022

Host: Jean-Paul Carteron - Ambassador, Executive President and Founder of the Crans Montana Forum

Guest: Ersin Tatar - President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

At the ADF Talks titled “Cyprus settlement: Reaffirming inherent rights”, H.E. Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), informed the participants about the historical aspect of the Cyprus issue and emphasized that Turkish Cypriots are ready to launch negotiations once sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people are reaffirmed.

At the end of the Talks, President Tatar answered the questions asked by the participants.

#ADFTALKS

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhj20ztnMpU

Date: 11 March 2022

Host: Ghida Fakhry - Editor for TRT World

Guest: Delcy Rodríguez - Vice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

At the ADF Talks, Delcy Rodríguez, Vice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela emphasized the significance of public international law, Charter of the United Nations and multilateralism as key elements in diplomacy for facilitating cooperation among sovereign nations to preserve international peace and stability. Vice President Rodríguez drew attention to the ongoing conflicts, mostly affecting the civilians, remained unresolved even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic whereas the need for humanitarian assistance increased significantly. Vice President Rodríguez stated that Venezuela supports a peaceful solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to avoid further suffering and praised the efforts of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum for bringing the parties together. Rodríguez concluded her remarks by stressing the importance of an effective establishment of multilateralism with respect and equality and expressing her belief that returning to the path of dialogue is in our hands to establish peace in the future.