Leaders Convene in Istanbul for STRATCOM 2026 to Address Global Instability
ISTANBUL:
Leaders, ministers, diplomats, and communication experts gathered in Istanbul on Friday for the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM) 2026. The summit, organized by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, focuses on global instability, mediation diplomacy, digital transformation, and challenges to legitimacy in the international system.
The first day featured six panels, with additional discussions scheduled for Saturday, bringing together officials from multiple regions to explore how strategic communication shapes diplomacy, governance, and security.
Global Order and Disinformation
At the panel “A New Framework for the Global Order,” experts highlighted rising disinformation and the erosion of international trust.
Fuat Oktay, head of the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized Türkiye’s dialogue with both East and West. “Transparency and openness are essential in strategic communication. Clear communication must be adopted globally,” he said.
TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu criticized the UN Security Council for failing Turkish Cypriots, while Syria’s Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa stressed the ongoing battle against disinformation. Bangladesh Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon noted that Middle East developments, including oil crises, have global political effects. Kazakhstan’s Kanat Iskakov linked declining state trust to systemic changes, asserting that stability requires more than force—it demands effective rules and truthful communication.
Mediation and Leadership Diplomacy
The panel “Actors and Leader Diplomacy in the Mediation Process” examined inclusive leadership, cultural ties, and conflict resolution.
Sultan Raev of TURKSOY highlighted the importance of shared cultural ties in preventing crises. Baroness Fiona Hodgson of the UK stressed women’s participation in peace negotiations. Egyptian Senator Rania Sedky warned that Middle East conflicts could spread globally, praising mediation efforts by Egypt, Türkiye, Qatar, and Pakistan.
Digital Communication and Public Opinion
Experts at the panel “Transformation of Global Public Opinion in the Digital Communication Ecosystem” discussed AI and digital platforms.
RTUK Chair Mehmet Danis said algorithms now shape public opinion, making digital literacy a matter of national security. MHP lawmaker Kamil Aydin emphasized responsible media use, while Azerbaijan’s Ahmad Ismayilov encouraged proactive engagement through digital platforms. Jordan’s Zaid Al-Nawaiseh warned that AI-driven disinformation poses serious risks as traditional media influence declines.
Crisis of Legitimacy and Trust
The panel “Crisis of Legitimacy and Trust” examined institutional credibility amid rising tensions.
Oliver McTernan of Forward Thinking called for UN reform to ensure justice, while former US Ambassador Robert Ford stressed diplomacy and restraint following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Vincenzo Le Voci highlighted accountability, and Laszlo Vasa underlined the need for strategic autonomy. Cuneyt Yuksel warned that failures in the international system threaten global legitimacy.
New Normal in Global Governance
Panelists explored resilience, shifting power, and ongoing instability.
Professors Edibe Sozen Cetintas and Mehmet Emin Babacan emphasized societal resilience and Türkiye’s strengthened crisis management. Jonathan Fowler highlighted Israel’s disinformation campaigns and attacks on UN staff. Qamar Cheema discussed mid-sized states like Türkiye and Pakistan rebuilding trust, while Ismet Fatih Cancar noted smaller actors forming micro-alliances amid regional instability.
Climate Diplomacy and Strategic Communication
Experts discussed climate diplomacy, energy transition, and climate migration.
Abdulmenaf Turan stressed that climate crises now involve politics, security, and justice. Nuran Yildiz emphasized managing emotional responses, while Ramon Salaverria framed climate change as a communication challenge. UNFCCC’s Matthew Coghlan called for translating commitments into concrete actions, and FAO’s Van Nguyen highlighted science-based communication to guide agricultural and policy decisions.
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