Forward Thinking Convenes Panel on Pathways Towards Sustainable Regional Stability at Allies in Ankara, Official Event Hub of the 2026 NATO Summit, 7 July 2026
On 7 July, Forward Thinking convened a panel discussion as part of Allies in Ankara, the official event hub of the 2026 NATO Summit, jointly hosted by the Munich Security Conference and the SETA Foundation.
Moderated by Oliver McTernan, Co-Founder and Director of Forward Thinking, the discussion brought together Mohamed El Orabi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt; Turkish parliamentarian Sena Nur Çelik; Lebanese parliamentarian Halimeh Kaakour; and Jordan Morgan, Director of Programmes at Forward Thinking, to examine how the principles of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act may offer lessons for strengthening dialogue, confidence-building, and regional cooperation across the Middle East and Gulf.
Oliver moderates the panel discussion.
The discussion explored the region's evolving security landscape amid ongoing conflicts, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and emerging regional realignments. Speakers reflected on the continuing relevance of the Helsinki framework in promoting dialogue and reducing the risk of conflict, while recognising that today's regional context requires approaches that are regionally owned and adapted to contemporary challenges.
Participants highlighted the centrality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to achieving sustainable regional stability and discussed the importance of diplomacy, confidence-building measures, and stronger regional institutions capable of supporting long-term peace and cooperation.
Senator Mohamed El Orabi shares his reflections with the audience.
The panel also highlighted the value of sustained cross-regional dialogue through initiatives such as Forward Thinking's Women for a Sustainable Future (WSF) Network, with participants reflecting on the network's recent engagement with displaced Gazan teachers in Cairo as an example of how bringing together parliamentarians, policymakers, and practitioners can generate practical cooperation and policy responses across Europe and the Middle East.
Turkish parliamentarian Sena Nur Çelik references our WSF programme.