The 21st edition of the IISS Manama Dialogue 2025 concluded on Sunday, featuring sessions that addressed key political transformations and regional and international challenges affecting security and stability.
Organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in partnership with the Bahraini Foreign Ministry, the forum underscored the importance of international cooperation, comprehensive approaches to security and peace, dialogue, and practical strategies to address the root causes of crises while promoting sustainable development, aiming to achieve a more stable and prosperous future for the region and the world.
The Manama Dialogue hosted hundreds of participants, including senior officials, decision-makers, and strategic thinkers from the public and private sectors across different regions.
They gather to share perspectives and opinions on geopolitical developments, challenges, political, military, and security trends.
The conference discussions primarily revolve around the Middle East region.
In the final session entitled, “Another Nuclear Age? Strategic Risks and Opportunities,” Dr. Bastian Giegerich, Director General and Chief Executive of IISS, said this year’s dialogue brought together over 700 delegates from 65 countries, including 27 youth leaders.
He said the forum was also attended by high-level participation from ministers, intelligence chiefs, national security advisors, and defense leaders.
IISS facilitated 103 bilateral meetings between participating nations, alongside numerous independent delegation discussions, he said.
Participants highlighted the forum’s achievements this year and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue as a means to foster understanding, cooperation, and progress toward regional and global peace and security.
