ISTANBUL 

Leaders, ministers, diplomats, and communication experts gathered Friday in Istanbul for the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM) 2026 to examine global instability, mediation diplomacy, digital transformation, and challenges to legitimacy in the international system.

Organized by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, the summit brings together officials from multiple regions to discuss how strategic communication is reshaping diplomacy, governance, and security. The first day featured six panels, with additional discussions scheduled for the second day.

Global order and disinformation

At “A New Framework for the Global Order: A Strategic Communication Perspective” panel, speakers highlighted the erosion of the international system amid rising disinformation.

Fuat Oktay, head of the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said Türkiye maintains dialogue with both East and West and can communicate with nearly every conflict zone through trust-based engagement. “Transparency and openness are fundamental requirements in the field of strategic communication; a clear and open communication approach should be adopted,” he said.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu criticized the global order for failing Turkish Cypriots. “The current system, shaped by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has failed to demonstrate a fair approach to the Cyprus issue; it has adopted a stance that penalizes Turkish Cypriots while rewarding the other side,” he said.

Syria’s Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa said Syria faced extensive disinformation during the civil war and is now rebuilding its media sector. “The Syrian society, and particularly the Syrian diaspora living abroad, play a critical role in combating disinformation today. At this stage, the struggle between information and disinformation has become one of the most defining dimensions of the Syrian issue,” he said.

Bangladesh Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon warned of the global impact of disinformation. “Recent developments affect not only domestic politics but also global politics. Developments in the Middle East and oil crises constitute concrete examples of this situation,” he said.

Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov linked declining trust among states to systemic changes. “Peace cannot be achieved solely through the use of force; it also requires the effective functioning of rules. If public opinion is constantly manipulated, it is not possible to speak of genuine stability,” he said.

Mediation and leader diplomacy

At “Actors and Leader Diplomacy in the Mediation Process,” speakers discussed diplomacy, cultural ties, and inclusive leadership in conflict resolution.

Sultan Raev, general secretary of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), emphasized shared cultural ties among Turkic states. “When cultural ties are strong, resolving crises becomes easier. In some cases, crises can even be resolved before they escalate,” he said.

UK House of Lords member Baroness Fiona Hodgson stressed women’s participation in peace processes. “Including women in peace negotiations facilitates the resolution of conflicts,” she said.

Egyptian Senator Rania Sedky warned that Middle East tensions could have global consequences while praising mediation by Egypt, Türkiye, Qatar, and Pakistan. “Today, we speak of conflicts in Iran, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. If the international community does not assume responsibility, we may soon be speaking about conflicts in Europe, perhaps in Germany or France,” she said.

Digital ecosystem and public opinion

At “Transformation of Global Public Opinion in the Digital Communication Ecosystem,” speakers examined the impact of digital platforms and AI.

Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) Chair Mehmet Danis warned that algorithms shape public opinion and that digital media literacy is now a national security issue. “We must strengthen a shared communication network rooted in our own civilizational values against structures seeking to establish digital hegemony,” he said.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker Kamil Aydin stressed media literacy over restrictions. “Media is a force when used properly; when misused, it becomes a threat,” he said.

Azerbaijan Media Development Agency Chairman Ahmad Ismayilov emphasized proactive strategic communication. “The transformation of global public opinion presents not only risks but also opportunities. Through digital platforms, states can reach wider audiences, shape their international image, and actively engage in global debates,” he said.

Jordan’s Government Communication Ministry Secretary General Zaid Al-Nawaiseh warned of AI-driven disinformation. “With the decline of traditional media, digital platforms have become a major force shaping public opinion,” he said.

Crisis of legitimacy and trust

At “Crisis of Legitimacy and Trust: Perceptions of the International Order,” speakers addressed institutional credibility and rising geopolitical tensions.

Oliver McTernan, director of Forward Thinking, called for UN reform. “True and lasting peace is only possible through justice. Justice requires not recognizing the other, but also acknowledging their rights,” he said.

Former US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford emphasized diplomacy and justice after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, calling for restraint during negotiations. “Open communication involves respecting the other party, listening carefully and expressing oneself in a transparent manner,” he said.

Vincenzo Le Voci, founder of the Club of Venice, highlighted accountability and dialogue, while Laszlo Vasa, head of the Ludovika Turkish Language Research Center, stressed strategic autonomy and diversifying transit routes, including the Middle Corridor. “Trust is built on two pillars: authenticity and accountability. Remove one, and communication fails,” he said.

Cuneyt Yuksel, head of the Turkish Parliament’s Justice Committee, said the international system faces a deep legitimacy and trust crisis. “Current developments pose a threat to the entire international order. A system that fails to act loses its legitimacy,” he said.

New normal in global governance

The panel “The ‘New Normal’ in Global Governance: The Permanence of Crises” addressed resilience, shifting power, and ongoing instability.

Edibe Sozen Cetintas, professor at Maltepe University, highlighted societal resilience, transparent civil society, and Türkiye’s example in protecting children amid crises.

Mehmet Emin Babacan, professor at Marmara University, said international institutions have lost relevance, Western values no longer hold, and Türkiye has strengthened crisis management through emergency and defense units.

Jonathan Fowler, communications director at UNRWA, cited Israel’s disinformation, the deaths of 400 colleagues in Gaza, and attacks on UN facilities, warning these actions threaten global norms.

Qamar Cheema, executive director of the Sanober Institute, described a shift in global power, with superpowers facing trust crises and mid-sized states like Pakistan and Türkiye rebuilding trust through alliances and strategic communication.

Ismet Fatih Cancar, advisor to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said the “new normal” forces smaller actors into micro-alliances, highlighting Balkan instability, erosion of rule-based norms, and Türkiye’s key role in regional stability.

New priorities in climate diplomacy

Panelists also discussed climate diplomacy, energy transition, climate migration, and strategic communication.

Abdulmenaf Turan, advisor to the COP31 office, said: “The climate crisis has moved beyond being merely an environmental issue and has become a part of politics, security, and the pursuit of justice today.”

Nuran Yildiz of Ankara University said: “To manage the climate crisis, we must first manage the climate of emotions.”

Ramon Salaverria of the University of Navarra said: “Climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but also a communication challenge.”

Matthew Coghlan, communications manager at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said: “Climate action must be accelerated. It is particularly important for governments and the private sector to translate their commitments into concrete and actionable outcomes.”

Van Nguyen, program officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said: “The resilience of food and agriculture in a changing climate depends on decision-grade science. Communication efforts need to close the gap between decisions and science, helping to guide decisions of farmers, planners, and policymakers.”