The 14th Middle East Conference will take place against the backdrop of the regime change in Syria, escalating Iranian-Israeli tensions, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and the crisis in the Red Sea. The goal of the conference is to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East with representatives from as many involved parties as possible, explore ways to reduce tensions in the region, and consider Russia’s approaches to resolving existing issues.
Programme of the 14th Middle East Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
“The Middle East – 2025: Learning Lessons from the Past, Surviving the Present, and Designing the Future”
Moscow, February 4 – 5, 2025
February 4, Tuesday
09:55 – 10:00 Opening of the conference (live: Russian, Arabic, English)
10:00 – 11:30 Session 1. Middle East: Back to the Unity That Never Existed? (live: Russian, Arabic, English)
The Middle East represents a functioning model of the modern world. The main feature of the region in particular and the world as a whole is a dialectical confluence of high potential for conflict and inextricable interconnectedness. Problems cannot be solved individually, but neither do they have a general solution. How can stability be preserved and development prospects consolidated? What role can BRICS take in this regard?
12:00 – 13:30 Meeting with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (live: Russian, Arabic, English)
14:30 – 16:00 Session 2. Russia in the Middle East: New Challenges
Since the early 21st century, Russia has been steadily expanding its reach in the Middle East region, restoring its traditional position. Compared to the time of the USSR, Moscow is much more flexible and receptive to a wide range of partners, does not bind itself with ideological dogmas, and formulates its interests in a much more practical way. The situation in this part of the world is changing rapidly, sometimes dramatically, which constantly poses new challenges for Russia. What are these challenges today?
16:30 – 18:30 Session 3. Syria: What's Next?
Although the Baath Party's rule had faced critical challenges for a long time, the swiftness of the regime's fall and the absence of any resistance surprised almost everyone. The rise of new political forces in Damascus has brought about a qualitatively different situation not only for Syria, but also for the entire region. However, the Syrian crisis is not over, and the country's future is not yet certain. The internal political system and foreign policy priorities have yet to be determined, but before that, it is necessary to guarantee the survival of Syria as an integral and functioning state.
February 5, Wednesday
10:30 – 12:00 Session 4. The New Role of Mediators in Conflict Resolution: the Case of Palestine
The Palestinian issue remains the cornerstone of all conflicts in the Middle East – for some it is truly fundamental, others simply exploit it for their own advantage. After almost a year and a half of Israel's ruthless operation in Gaza and its outskirts, the prospects for a settlement hardly exist. Previous solutions are unrealistic, and no new proposals have been put forward. Is the problem solvable in principle?
12:30 – 14:00 Session 5. Transport Corridors and the Future of Security on Land and Sea (live: Russian, Arabic, English)
The series of crises in the Middle East has transcended the region, affecting transit corridors of global importance. The conflict in Yemen and the ensuing confrontation in Palestine have turned the Red Sea into a real war zone – and not just a potential one. At the same time, several major transportation projects are being discussed, which could significantly reshape the economic map of the world. Who is responsible for security: regional players, external powers or international institutions? How do crises affect the search for alternatives?
15:00 – 16:30 Session 6. The Future of the Middle East Politically and in the Context of Modern Scientific and Technological Development (live: Russian, Arabic, English)
Amid the turbulence in the region, formulating long-term development strategies seems almost impossible. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are showing intellectual courage by formulating long-range development plans, including those of scientific, technological and social nature. Are these plans feasible in the context of general uncertainty? Can they become a driving force for the entire region?