ISTANBUL — Leaders, ministers, diplomats, and communication experts from across the world gathered in Istanbul on Friday for the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM) 2026, focusing on rising global instability, the evolving role of diplomacy, and the growing influence of digital communication.
The summit, organized by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, brought together participants from multiple regions to explore how strategic communication is shaping governance, international relations, and security. The opening day featured six panel sessions, with further discussions scheduled to continue.
Global order under strain
At a panel titled “A New Framework for the Global Order: A Strategic Communication Perspective,” speakers highlighted concerns over the weakening of the international system and the rise of disinformation.
Fuat Oktay, head of the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed the importance of transparency in communication, noting that Türkiye maintains open dialogue across geopolitical divides.
“Transparency and openness are fundamental requirements in the field of strategic communication,” he said, adding that trust-based engagement allows Türkiye to interact with multiple conflict zones.
Tahsin Ertugruloglu, foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), criticized the current global system, particularly the role of the UN Security Council, which he said has failed to address the Cyprus issue fairly.
Syria’s Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa said disinformation had significantly shaped narratives during the Syrian civil war, adding that rebuilding the country’s media sector remains a priority. He emphasized the role of the Syrian diaspora in countering false narratives.
Bangladesh’s Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon warned that disinformation now affects not only domestic politics but also global dynamics, citing developments in the Middle East and energy markets as examples.
Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minister of Culture and Information, Kanat Iskakov, linked declining trust among nations to manipulation of public opinion, stressing that sustainable peace depends on both rules and credibility.
Mediation and inclusive diplomacy
During the “Actors and Leader Diplomacy in the Mediation Process” panel, participants explored the importance of cultural ties and inclusive leadership in resolving conflicts.
Sultan Raev, secretary general of TURKSOY, highlighted the role of shared cultural heritage among Turkic nations in preventing and resolving crises.
Baroness Fiona Hodgson of the UK House of Lords emphasized the importance of women’s inclusion in peace negotiations, noting that broader participation improves outcomes.
Egyptian Senator Rania Sedky warned that unresolved tensions in the Middle East could have far-reaching global consequences, while commending mediation efforts by countries such as Egypt, Türkiye, Qatar, and Pakistan.
Digital transformation and public opinion
The panel on “Transformation of Global Public Opinion in the Digital Communication Ecosystem” examined how technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping information flows.
RTUK Chair Mehmet Danis said algorithms increasingly influence public opinion, describing digital media literacy as a matter of national security.
Lawmaker Kamil Aydin stressed the need for education over restriction, saying media can be either a powerful tool or a threat depending on its use.
Ahmad Ismayilov of Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency pointed to opportunities for countries to shape their global image through digital platforms, while Jordanian official Zaid Al-Nawaiseh warned of the growing risks posed by AI-driven disinformation.
Crisis of trust in global institutions
At a session on “Crisis of Legitimacy and Trust,” speakers addressed declining confidence in international institutions and rising geopolitical tensions.
Oliver McTernan, director of Forward Thinking, called for reform of the United Nations, arguing that justice and recognition of rights are essential for lasting peace.
Former US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford emphasized the need for diplomacy and transparency, particularly in light of recent US-Israeli military actions involving Iran.
Other speakers, including Vincenzo Le Voci and Laszlo Vasa, underscored the importance of accountability, dialogue, and strategic autonomy, while Cuneyt Yuksel warned that failure to act undermines the legitimacy of the global system.
A “new normal” of constant crises
The panel titled “The ‘New Normal’ in Global Governance: The Permanence of Crises” explored how nations are adapting to continuous instability.
Academics and policy experts noted that international institutions are losing influence, while countries increasingly rely on resilience strategies and regional alliances.
Jonathan Fowler of UNRWA raised concerns about disinformation and attacks on humanitarian institutions, warning that such actions threaten global norms.
Other contributors highlighted shifting global power dynamics, with mid-sized countries playing a greater role in rebuilding trust through alliances and communication strategies.
Climate diplomacy takes center stage
Discussions also focused on climate change, with panelists emphasizing its growing role in global politics and security.
Abdulmenaf Turan, advisor to the COP31 office, described climate change as a multidimensional crisis affecting governance and justice.
Experts stressed the need for effective communication to bridge the gap between science and policy, with calls for accelerated climate action and practical implementation of commitments.
Looking ahead
As STRATCOM 2026 continues, participants are expected to further examine the intersection of communication, diplomacy, and global governance.
Across sessions, a recurring theme emerged: in an era defined by uncertainty and rapid technological change, effective communication is no longer optional but central to maintaining trust, stability, and cooperation in the international system.
