WSF Meeting in Istanbul- Crisis in the Middle East: Yemen, Energy, and Parliamentary Responses to Regional Instability, 26 March 2026

On 26 March 2026, members of the Women for a Sustainable Future (WSF) network convened in Istanbul to address the humanitarian, environmental, and security crises unfolding across the Middle East, and their growing implications for Europe. The meeting brought together parliamentarians, former government officials, academics, environmental and energy specialists, civil society leaders, media professionals, and human rights advocates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Ireland, Lebanon, Libya, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Yemen.

The morning sessions were held in partnership with the Mokha Centre for Strategic Studies, an independent Yemeni research institution, and focused on identifying gaps in the international response to Yemen's humanitarian crisis, including the protection of civilians, accountability for gender-based violence, and the need for stronger parliamentary engagement across Europe and the WANA region. The sessions provided a rare and valuable opportunity for WSF members to engage directly with Yemeni women leaders at a time when Yemen has increasingly slipped from the international agenda despite remaining one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

The afternoon sessions examined critical gaps in water and energy resilience across conflict-affected West Asia, with a focus on the policy and legislative responses needed to protect and restore infrastructure, strengthen oversight, and prevent further deterioration. Discussions on the energy crisis were led by Barış Sanlı, a Turkish energy policy expert and former senior official at Türkiye's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The sessions also identified the cross-boundary implications of water and energy insecurity for European security and migration policy, and explored avenues for coordinated regional action.

Key Recommendations

Address Yemen's Humanitarian and Water Crisis Prioritise the protection of civilian infrastructure and strengthen legislative frameworks to ensure reliable access to water and essential services amid ongoing conflict.

Promote Sustainable Resource Management Develop and implement long-term strategies for water conservation, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce vulnerability in conflict-affected contexts.

Strengthen Regional and International Cooperation Expand dialogue between WANA countries and Europe, uphold international law, and establish clearer accountability mechanisms for environmental and human rights impacts.

Integrate Climate and Ethical Awareness into Policy and Education Support governments and communities in adopting sustainable practices, ethical consumption, and climate-conscious policymaking to build long-term resilience.