A Region in Transition: Trade, Connectivity, and Technology in the Middle East
Overview: Practical regional cooperation in a changing Middle East
The Middle East is at a turning point. Recent developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, as well as the re-election of Donald Trump, present both significant challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Our common future does not depend on national borders or short-term solutions to conflicts, but on the development of a shared, long-term regional vision. For a peaceful future, all actors must prioritize cooperation over confrontation, overcome divides and actively promote cooperation in a rapidly changing, interconnected world.
Building on the success of the 2024 conference, this follow-up event is dedicated to developing new and innovative strategies for reconstruction, food security, green energy, digital cooperation and infrastructure development. By involving government representatives, scientists and stakeholders from the private sector, strategic visions are to be translated into concrete approaches for action. Regional cooperation - for example through initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) or other diplomatic initiatives - is crucial for economic integration and stability in the region.
For this second conference, we are once again bringing together various stakeholders from the Middle East as well as participants from Asia and Germany to develop a cooperative vision for the future.
Goals
Understanding geopolitical changes: Analyze the impact of current developments in Syria, Lebanon and Iran, assess the potential consequences of a Trump administration, and promote regional solutions and cooperation between middle powers.
Develop practical cooperation frameworks: Develop strategies for the reconstruction of Gaza, the stabilization of Syria and Lebanon as well as the current Middle East conflict in regional initiatives.
Thinking the full potential of IMEC beyond infrastructure: unlocking opportunities for green energy partnerships and a "Digital IMEC" for technological collaboration.
Enable multi-sectoral cooperation: Bringing government, academia and the private sector together to achieve balanced and sustainable outcomes.
Topics
Superpowers in the Middle East 2.0 - Between cooperation and competition
IMEC and I2U2 - Supraregional cooperation as a stabilizer
The Middle East in transition - From hard power to regional solutions
Asia-Middle East-Europe - A new strategic triangle
Regional steps to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Shaping the future of regional connectivity
Results
By promoting a regional vision of cooperation, this conference aims to create a new agenda for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Inclusive dialog and pragmatic cooperation on common challenges should lead the people of the region beyond existing conflicts and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future in the Middle East and beyond.
