High-Level Meeting on Middle East Uncertainties and Opportunities Kicks Off in Riyadh
Published: 21 May 2024
The Nizami Ganjavi International Center, in collaboration with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, has organized a High-Level Meeting titled “The Middle East in a Changing World: Uncertainties, Risks, and Opportunities.”
Taking place on May 19 and 20, this two-day event in Riyadh brought together a distinguished group of current and former leaders to address the urgent need for a sustainable new international order that preserves peace, security, and justice, while meeting the pressing challenges and threats facing humanity. The discussions focused on creating an inclusive and equitable framework for global stability and cooperation.
The welcoming remarks were delivered by HRH Prince Turki AlFaisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KFCRIS; HE President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Co-Chair of NGIC and former President of Latvia; and HE Miguel Angel Moratinos, High-Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations. The keynote address was given by HE Waleed Al-Khuraiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Besides, Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair NGIC, Vice President of the World Bank 1992-2000; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, 73rd President of the UN General Assembly; Zlatko Lagumdzija, Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2001-2002, Deputy Prime Minister 1993-1996, 2012-2015; Jean Baderschneider, Board of Directors, Fortescue Metals and Fortescue Future Industries; Chair of the Board, The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery; Volkan Bozkir, 75th President of the UN General Assembly; Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria 2012-2017; Nathalie Goulet, Member of the Senate of France; Valdis Zatlers, President of Latvia 2007- 2011; Amre Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League 2001-2011, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt 1991-2001; Mladen Ivanic, President of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014-2018; Ivo Josipovic, President of Croatia 2010-2015; Boris Tadic, President of Serbia 2004-2012; Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Sweden 2014-2021; Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for the European Neighbourhood Policy 2004-2010, European Commissioner for Trade 2009-2010, European Commissioner for External Relations 2004-2009, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria 2004-2009; Milica Pejanovic, Minister of Defense of Montenegro 2012-2016 are also among the event participants.
Participants discussed the transformations of the global order and their implications for geopolitical regions worldwide, particularly the Middle East. Topics include the conflict between Palestine and Israel, security, and the urgent need for global dialogue to enhance understanding and cooperation in resolving international geopolitical and economic issues. The conference emphasized recognizing diverse cultural and religious contexts and reforming global institutions to become more effective and representative.