As middle powers from the Middle East and North Africa assume more prominent mediation roles, they are reshaping the global landscape of conflict resolution. This workshop—part of a joint UCLA Burkle Center and Middle East Council project—examined the motivations, scope, and impact of these emerging mediators, and how their efforts are influencing both regional dynamics and the approaches of traditional peace brokers. Hosted by the Gulf Research Center in Brussels, the discussion brought together experts to analyze country case studies and explore the evolving geopolitics of mediation in a rapidly shifting international order.
Event Type: Closed Roundtable
Regional Conflict Dynamics and Pathways to Peace in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East: The Doha Synthesis Dialogue
The Doha Synthesis Dialogue, co-organized by the Folke Bernadotte Academy and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, brings together experts from the Horn of Africa and the Middle East to bridge perspectives, synthesize findings, and chart pathways toward sustainable peace. Building on workshops held in Beirut and Nairobi, the Dialogue aims to translate regional analysis into actionable steps for cooperation and stability across the Red Sea region.
Water Diplomacy and Governance in the MENA Region
Water resources across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are facing mounting pressures from both climate change and political instability. As droughts intensify and transboundary water tensions grow, regional cooperation has become indispensable. To address these challenges, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council), in partnership with the Blue Peace Middle East Initiative and the Geneva Water Hub, and with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Qatar, convened a roundtable to explore how water can serve as a vehicle for peacebuilding, diplomacy, and governance. The discussions aimed to identify shared policy priorities, strengthen regional collaboration, and lay the foundation for sustainable water security across the MENA region.