Global Leaders Converge On Turkey For Diplomacy Forum

Global leaders and senior government officials have gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, for the 2026 edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a major multilateral conference focused on addressing growing global uncertainty.

The three-day event, which began on Friday in the southern Mediterranean city, is hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

This year’s forum, themed “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” centres on navigating the complexities of an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.

Participants include about 20 heads of state and government, 40 foreign ministers, over 5,000 policymakers, academics, diplomats, and experts, and media representatives from roughly 150 countries.

Among prominent attendees are Sergey Lavrov, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, and Khaled El-Enany.

The forum, initiated in 2021 by President Erdoğan, is taking place amid shifting global alliances and rising geopolitical tensions.

Key issues dominating discussions include the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and concerns about global energy security and maritime routes.

Analysts said the forum serves as a strategic platform for Türkiye to strengthen diplomatic ties, reshape global governance narratives, and promote a multipolar world order.

According to participants, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum provides a critical space for dialogue at a time when the international system is undergoing rapid transformation and uncertainty continues to shape global interactions.

Unlike other global gatherings such as the World Economic Forum and the Munich Security Conference, the forum is known for its flexible format, which allows open-ended discussions and informal engagements among rival parties.

A diplomatic analyst, Dr Mohamed Tharwat, described the forum as both a platform for dialogue and a tool of Turkish foreign policy, aimed at balancing global powers and fostering engagement among competing actors.

He noted that rather than directly resolving conflicts, the forum focuses on managing differences, encouraging dialogue, and sustaining communication between parties, even in the absence of consensus.

Observers say this approach reflects broader shifts in global diplomacy, including the growing influence of regional powers and the need for adaptable platforms to address complex international challenges.

The forum will feature over 40 panel sessions covering a wide range of issues, including political, economic, environmental, and technological developments shaping the world today.