A panel titled "Actors and Leader Diplomacy in the Mediation Process'' was held as part of the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM).
At the summit organised by the Directorate of Communications in İstanbul, speakers at the panel included Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY); Baroness Fiona Hodgson, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom; and Rania Sedky, Member of the Senate of Egypt.
At the STRATCOM Summit 2026, the panel titled "Actors and Leader Diplomacy in the Mediation Process'' was moderated by Prof Talha Köse, President of the Turkish National Intelligence Academy (MİA).
Raev highlighted that the Turkic world constitutes a unique geography, where countries are bound not merely by neighbourhood but by shared culture, language and history, and stressed that leader diplomacy among the Turkic states derives its power from this foundation.
Referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s positive approach to Turkic societies and the hosting of Hatay earthquake victims in Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Raev said, “This is the reflection of brotherhood in diplomacy.”
Raev underlined that TÜRKSOY brings Turkic societies closer, remarking that the invisible bridges they have established are the "strongest foundation for the leaders.”
Raev stated, “The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) is today a strategic actor in terms of regional stability" and emphasised the need to sustain dialogue among member countries, enhance their capacity for joint action, and strengthen cultural ties.
The role of women in peace processes
Hodgson highlighted that many conflicts continue worldwide and that women live in areas very close to conflict zones, stating, “Today, being a woman is as difficult as being a soldier.”
Highlighting the importance of including women in peace agreements for a more lasting peace, Hodgson noted that, according to current statistics, women’s participation in negotiations and peace agreements remains low.
Hodgson stated, “Women will continue to live in danger unless they are included in the peace process.”
“Peace is not a concept achieved through wars”
Sedky recalled that the region where Egypt is located has witnessed numerous wars over the past century, adding, “Peace is not a concept achieved through wars; both sides lose in conflict.”
Pointing out that wars result not only in loss of life but also in economic and financial losses, Sedky stated that a U.S./Israel-Iran war would affect not only the parties involved but also the global order.
Sedky warned that if no action is taken against the war, its effects would not be limited to regional countries but would also impact European nations for years, calling on the international community to take action against the war.
Praising the mediating role of Egypt, Türkiye, Qatar, and Pakistan during the war, Sedky warned that if the war were to threaten Russia and China in terms of the economy, development and energy supply, these countries could also become involved.