TRENDS Research & Advisory, represented by Senior Researcher Mohammed Al-Dhuhouri, Director of the Advanced Political Studies Department, participated in the international conference — A Region in Transition: Trade, Connectivity, and Technology in the Middle East — organized by the German Institute for International Cooperation, Technological Diplomacy and Communication (ICI). The conference is a prominent global platform that brings together leading thinkers, experts, and decision-makers to discuss the significant challenges and transformations taking place in the region.

Transformations in the International System

Al-Dhuhouri began his contribution by highlighting the features of transformations in the international system. He noted that the global landscape is still marked by a degree of unipolarity, with the United States continuing to play a decisive role in most current international issues. This reality directly impacts the problems of the Middle East, most notably the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

A Global Priority

Regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Al-Dhuhouri stressed the urgent need for reaching a peaceful resolution, as the persistence of the conflict poses a threat to international peace and security. He pointed out that Israel’s recent policies have heightened the state of anxiety and apprehension across the region, thereby placing a greater responsibility on the international community to advance peace efforts.

Optimism

Al-Dhuhouri pointed out that previous international efforts have helped keep the hope of achieving peace alive. He underlined the importance of constructive criticism of past experiences and of adopting optimism as a strategic choice that can pave the way for a more stable future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region. He stressed that any sustainable solution must balance Palestinian rights and regional security requirements.

Building Trust

Al-Dhuhouri emphasized that trade, connectivity, and technology are key tools that can be invested in to build trust and strengthen stability. He noted that economic and technological integration creates shared interests among the region’s countries and opens the door to fair and lasting political settlements.

Realistic Approaches

Al-Dhuhouri concluded by affirming that any genuine solution to the conflict must consider the region’s economic, social, and political dimensions. He added that ongoing global transformations present an opportunity to adopt more realistic approaches focusing on the two-state solution (Palestinian and Israeli), as the pathway to strengthening peace and fulfilling the aspirations of the Middle East.

On the sidelines of the conference, TRENDS, represented by researcher Mohammed Al-Dhuhouri, held a series of bilateral meetings with prominent academic and diplomatic figures from Germany, South Korea, and the UAE. The meetings aimed to enhance prospects for cooperation and discuss issues of mutual interest. Among those Al-Dhuhouri met were Dr. Iulian Romanyshyn, Head of Scientific Program at the Institute for International Cooperation, Technological Diplomacy, and Communication in Germany; Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff, Otto Wolff Director of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP); Dr. N. Janardhan from the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy; and Hyonda Park, Policy Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea. These meetings are part of TRENDS’ ongoing efforts to build bridges of communication and foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise with leading international think tanks and decision-making circles.