Held under the theme “Disruption in the International System: Crises, Narratives and the Search for Order”, the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM 2026) featured a panel titled "Women Leaders' Perspectives on Global Crises and the Quest for the Future".
The panel, moderated by Dr Nihal Eminoğlu, Member of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and faculty member at Ankara University, featured speakers including Member of Parliament of Lebanon Halima Kaakour, Member of Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina Rejhana Dervišević, Member of Libya’s High Council of State Majda Alfallah, Cecily Bayliss from Forward Thinking, and AK Party İstanbul MP Sena Nur Çelik Kanat.
In her remarks, Kanat stated that STRATCOM was held “at the right time and in the right place” and thanked those who contributed to the organisation of the event. Emphasising that the summit was convened at a time when numerous global crises are unfolding, she underlined that these crises also have a direct impact on women.
Situation in Gaza
Kanat stated that one of the most significant consequences of the current situation is the collapse of the international order, noting that the world is witnessing wars, oppression and disasters within a system that fails to prevent them. Providing examples of ongoing global crises, she said that failure to comply with international law has led to a crisis of legitimacy.
Drawing attention to Gaza as the most striking example, Kanat said, “The inaction of the international community in Gaza has led to one of the greatest genocides in history.”
Israel’s attacks on Lebanon
Lebanese MP Kaakour described Israel’s attacks on her country, underlining that many children have lost their lives in these attacks. She noted that the healthcare system in Lebanon has completely collapsed and recalled that more than one million people have been displaced.
Stating that women and children in the country are deprived of basic needs, Kaakour said that many of Israel’s violations constitute “war crimes".
Importance of women leaders
Alfallah emphasised that women have a crucial responsibility in maintaining and preventing peace, highlighting the importance of women’s leadership. She noted that women leaders offer an essential, much-needed perspective that is highly comprehensive.
Dervišević stated that it was an honour for her to participate in the event and conveyed the message that inclusive and participatory processes must be implemented to achieve lasting solutions. The Bosnian MP added that if societies genuinely seek a more stable and resilient future, women must be empowered and become active agents of change.
Bayliss underlined that the concept of “awareness” alone does not bring about change and stressed the need to increase funding for women and girls. Emphasising that women are already exercising "leadership" in areas often overlooked by society, Bayliss provided examples illustrating this reality.
