
Diplomacy
Sustainable stability in the Middle East

The recent escalations in the Middle East make it clear that sustainable peace can only be achieved through an inclusive, long-term approach. Beyond purely national interests and short-term conflict solutions, a common vision for the entire region is needed. It is crucial to create spaces for dialog in which all relevant actors can enter into discussions on an equal footing and develop realistic post-war scenarios. Peace is not a product of chance, but the result of cooperative processes, creative solutions and pragmatic collaboration - even between former adversaries. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is necessary to overcome existing dividing lines and direct forces towards common prospects for the future. A Middle East that focuses on cooperation rather than confrontation can secure long-term stability and prosperity for the entire region.
Events on the topic:
The international conference China in the Middle East: Geopolitics, Trade and Society examines China's growing role in the Middle East as a geostrategically relevant region. Actors from politics, diplomacy and academia will discuss the current challenges and opportunities for cooperation in relations between China and the Middle East.
The international conference will take a close look at the two security policy theaters of war of the 21st century - the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East - and systematically analyze the interdependencies between the two wars, the regional consequences and the impact on the global order, and explore possible paths to regional stability and peace.
This international conference builds on the success of the previous Berlin Conference and brings together stakeholders from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to develop concrete strategies for regional cooperation in areas such as reconstruction, green energy, digitalization, and infrastructure. The focus is on regional solutions to conflicts, deeper integration through initiatives such as IMEC, and the promotion of a shared vision for peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Conference 4 | The fourth conference was overshadowed by two significant developments: the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the re-election of Donald Trump as US President. In addition, cooperative approaches to peacebuilding at grassroots level were analyzed and reconciliation concepts were reflected on from a historical perspective.
At this year's Security Conference 2025 in Munich, the ICI was given the opportunity in light of the ongoing escalation in the Red Sea and the dramatic developments in Gaza, the need for a sustainable and cooperative approach to peace in the Middle East has never been more urgent.
To mark the 23rd anniversary of the Afghanistan Conference, an exchange took place with Hamid Karzai and other high-ranking personalities to reflect on developments to date and take a look into the future of the country.
Conference 3 | Participants at the third round of the conference discussed a wide range of topics, including the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, peace strategies for the region, the escalation of violence in Lebanon and the growing cooperation between Iran and Russia.
The conference aims to develop a regional vision for cooperation and stability, discuss sustainable post-war scenarios and address urgent security and humanitarian needs.
Conference 2 | The second edition of the conference brought together leading figures from science and politics to explore the impact that technological collaboration and science diplomacy can have on the post-war reconciliation process in the Middle East.
Conference 1 | Immediately after the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, we brought together key players from the region for an open dialog and exchange. Academics, stakeholders from civil society, business and politics discussed possible paths to a peaceful future.