Helsinki Policy Forum

The Gulf-MENA region is in a period of unprecedented political, economic and social change.  Regional tensions and mistrust have not only complicated efforts to find a durable solution to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict but also have a direct impact on the individual regional countries and on Europe. There is clear need for an ongoing dialogue between these two regions in order to reach greater understanding and mutual co-operation in addressing our common challenges.  

The Helsinki Policy Forum was established in February 2014 to provide an ‘unofficial’ space for an open, honest and frank dialogue on challenges and opportunities facing the Gulf-MENA region and Europe. The Forum provided the opportunity for senior diplomats, parliamentarians, government officials, and climate and health experts to meet regularly in-person and online to deepen their understanding of issues of mutual concern and to explore together effective responses. 

The Forum was organised and facilitated by Forward Thinking in collaboration with participating governments, and was supported and hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. On December 31st 2023, Forward Thinking transferred full responsibility for the Policy Forum to the Finnish Foreign Ministry who will now run it as a Track one process. It was widely recognised that the transition to Track one is a witness to the success of this initiative.