MANAMA, Bahrain

The second day of the 20th Regional Security Forum, Manama Dialogue 2024, in Bahrain saw calls Saturday for dialogue and an end to regional conflicts and wars, according to the Bahrain News Agency.

John Chipman, chief executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, described the forum as a unique platform to foster regional and international collaboration on pressing security challenges.

Chipman noted that “while the initial discussions focused on Gulf security, the agenda has since expanded to include pressing global challenges such as cybersecurity, the proliferation of emerging technologies, and the interdependence of security between regions.”

Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen reflected on how the geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, highlighting the impact of global events such as the coronavirus pandemic, wars in various regions and increasing tensions between major powers. They were described as “high-impact events that are continuing to shape our world.”

One session highlighted Arab initiatives and agreements through which countries have sought to establish regional and global peace processes and resolve disputes and conflicts, according to the news agency.

Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed the importance of the role of Arab countries and the EU to reach a unified stance regarding conflicts.

He encouraged joining efforts to resolve conflicts and focus on peaceful solutions, in line with the United Nations Charter, to achieve peace, according to the Bahrain News Agency.

Sven Koopmans, EU special representative for the Middle East Peace Process, called for rethinking traditional peacebuilding models, pointing out that past frameworks often failed to deliver sustainable outcomes.

“We need to think about peace differently -- both in process and substance,” he said.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa opened the event Friday with the participation of high-level delegations of ministers, security officials, military leaders, and academics from various countries, according to the news agency.

The forum was organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in cooperation with Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Manama Dialogue discusses the most pressing foreign policy, defense, and security challenges in the Middle East. It sheds light on regional and international developments and efforts to establish the foundations of international peace and security.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala