On 26–27 November 2025, the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa (SDI) convened its fourth annual interactive conference bringing together some 150 participants from 35 countries in Europe and the MENA-region. Participants included experts, representatives of civil society and the private sector, civil servants and academia. The conference provided space for structured dialogues on issues of mutual concern for the regions, as well as a confidential space to think creatively about options moving forward.
Through plenary and parallel sessions, participants discussed six themes: EU–MENA relations in light of the EU’s Mediterranean Pact that was launched the same week of the conference; the political transition in Syria, a year after the collapse of the Assad-regime; the green transition in light of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30); humanitarian diplomacy in the Middle East; AI and peacebuilding; and opportunities for deepened intercultural dialogue between the regions. This report summarises the key points and recommendations that emerged from each one the six thematic sessions.
To read the full report, click here.
