Former world leaders gathered in Riyadh for two days of high-level talks to address pressing global issues, including the world order, regional politics in the Middle East, maritime security, and climate change.
Hosted by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in partnership with Nizami Ganjavi International Center and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the talks aimed to explore uncertainties, risks, and opportunities in the Middle East in a changing world.
Keynote speakers at the event included Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center, and Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former president of Latvia. Other notable attendees included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El-Khereiji, Miguel Angel Moratinos, high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and Maria Fernanda Espinosa, president of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.
Former presidents and prime ministers from countries such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Montenegro also participated in the discussions, sharing their insights and experiences on global challenges.
The talks emphasized the importance of global dialogue and cooperation in addressing crises around the world, beyond just the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Participants highlighted the need for sustainable solutions for peace in regions like Gaza and stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in global governance.
In an interview, Ismail Serageldin, co-chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, underscored the significance of revitalizing the United Nations to effectively address global peace and security challenges. The discussions at the event aimed to inform future summits and meetings to drive meaningful action on sustainable development goals and climate change.