Over the past 6 years, the world has faced challenges that previously took decades. The beginning was the coronavirus pandemic, which forced people to isolate themselves in their homes and literally turn their entire lives upside down. The latest is the war in Ukraine. Undoubtedly, the tariff war of US President Donald Trump is changing the global economy. And last but not least, the conflict between the US and Israel with Iran is another challenge facing the world.
The participants in the fifth edition of the Forum have the difficult task of analyzing and providing guidance on where the world should go. It is no coincidence that the motto of the event is Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties (ed. note. Let's map tomorrow, manage uncertainty!)
The biggest challenge today is the lack of predictability in international relations. Geopolitical tensions and shifting balances of power create an environment in which traditional diplomacy often seems inadequate.
As conflicts remain unresolved, polarization, and multiple critical issues continue to affect people around the world. To address these challenges and work towards a more inclusive, just, and effective international system, it is imperative to consolidate international cooperation, dialogue, and solidarity.
This year’s edition of the Forum will bring together leaders, politicians, diplomats, academics, business experts, media, and civil society representatives to explore how best to manage the uncertainty the world is witnessing today and address pressing issues while preparing for future challenges.
The focus of this year’s ADF is Africa. The first day of the Forum will discuss the topic of security and development in West Africa. Across the region, interconnected challenges - from insecurity to structural backwardness - are mutually reinforcing, while fragmented responses often fall short. Managing these insecurities requires integrated, regionally owned and internationally supported policies that address the root causes and prevent mutual aggravation. The discussion aims to provide a platform for West African representatives to share their observations, priorities and practical proposals. It will examine key drivers of insecurity through a development lens, discuss integrated policy models and identify avenues for enhanced regional and multilateral cooperation, particularly between regional and international stakeholders. The panel will feature: James Gyakie Kweison - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana, Deodat Maharaj - Managing Director of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, Maria Luisa Fantapi - Head of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa Programme, International Institute of Economic Affairs (IAI).
In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, shifting power dynamics and rising trade barriers, uncertainty increasingly shapes global affairs. This is the second major theme of the forum. It highlights the importance of anticipating emerging risks, understanding structural transformations and developing adaptive strategies. This panel provides a platform to address regional and global challenges, discuss practical solutions, share best practices and foster dialogue among leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders. By promoting cooperation and coordinated action, it aims to contribute to building a more peaceful, stable and sustainable world. It will feature the participation of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of North Macedonia Gordana Silyanovska Davkova, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze.
Tomorrow’s ADF day will culminate in the afternoon, when the fifth edition of the The Forum, which will once again provide a valuable platform to foster dialogue, rebuild trust and engage in stronger cooperation; charting the path forward towards a more peaceful, stable and sustainable world for future generations.