Riyadh hosts high-level talks with former world leaders to address global issuesÂ
Riyadh Hosts High-Level Talks with Former World Leaders to Address Global Issues
In Riyadh, a two-day high-level discussion took place focusing on important global issues such as the world order, challenges and opportunities, regional politics in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and challenges related to maritime security. The talks, which occurred from May 19-20, were organized by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in collaboration with the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations under the theme “The Middle East in a Changing World: uncertainties, risks, and opportunities.”
Former presidents and prime ministers from various countries participated in the talks, sharing their insights and experiences on a range of topics including global dialogue, climate change, economies in the Middle East, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the region. The goal was to gather valuable insights to inform future summits and meetings such as the United Nations summit in September and the COP29 in Baku in November.
Keynote speakers at the event included Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center, and Vaira Vike-Freiberga, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and former president of Latvia. Other distinguished attendees included high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives from the United Nations.
The discussions highlighted the importance of global cooperation in addressing pressing issues beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Participants emphasized the need for sustainable solutions in areas like Gaza and the importance of multilateralism in bridging local and global concerns. There was a call for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity on a global scale to ensure progress towards peace and development.
Overall, the talks provided a platform for influential leaders to exchange ideas, explore potential solutions, and pave the way for future collaborations on critical global challenges. As Ismail Serageldin, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, expressed, there is a shared commitment to reviving international institutions like the UN to achieve global peace and security.