Turkey has taken on a leading role in the peaceful resolution of conflicts, one of the main tenets of our enterprising and humanitarian foreign policy, within the framework of the “Mediation for Peace” initiative. Turkey is co-chairing the groups of friends of mediation within the UN, OSCE and the OIC. Also in this vein, Turkey has been organising the Istanbul Mediation Conferences in a bid to raise awareness and build capacity in support of mediation.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on conflict dynamics has increased the need to raise awareness on peaceful resolution of conflicts and mediation, making it necessary for Turkey to continue her efforts under the conditions imposed by the pandemic. Against this background, 7th Istanbul Mediation Conference will be held for the first time online on 17 September 2020 from 1:15 pm till 6:45 pm (GMT+3) under the theme of “Peace Mediation in the New Normal”.

The conference, which will be opened by our Minister and the Secretary General of the United Nations H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, will bring together prominent mediators, high-level officials from the UN, OSCE, the African Union and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) along with other renowned experts on a digital platform.

The conference will focus on the impact of the pandemic on conflict dynamics and mediation efforts as well as the recent developments in conflict areas and the link between digitalization and peace making. The organisation of this year’s conference in an innovative way is also in line with the “Digital Diplomacy” initiative that Minister Çavuşoğlu announced last year.

The conference will be livestreamed on our Ministry’s official YouTube channel.