TRT World Forum 2026: Navigating Global Uncertainties and the New World Order

The Istanbul Congress Center hosted the 10th TRT World Forum, the heartbeat of global diplomacy. Held under the theme 'Decentralized World: Who Leads When Rules Become Obsolete?', this year's event brought together academics, politicians, journalists, and NGO representatives from around the world to delve into the most critical issues on the international agenda. The two-day forum served not only as a platform for debate but also as a vision meeting that solidified Turkey's strategic position in a changing world order.

The opening speeches by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, and TRT Director General Mehmed Zahid Sobacı set the intellectual framework for the event. The sessions, which addressed shifts in global power balances, the dysfunction of international law, and the uncertainties created by technological transformations, examined the challenges of transitioning to a multipolar world in all its dimensions.

Background of the Development

Since its inception ten years ago, the TRT World Forum has maintained its mission to be a 'conscientious voice' regarding global issues. Initially focusing on regional matters, the forum has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious think-tank platforms. The 10th anniversary in 2026 served as proof of how much the forum's institutional memory and sphere of influence have expanded.

Historically, the reality that the post-WWII structures of the international system are insufficient to respond to contemporary crises formed the main axis of the forum's discussions. Issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and global energy supply security led the forum to define its historical context as a period where 'rules have become obsolete.' In this regard, the platform hosted by TRT positioned itself not just as a broadcaster's event, but as a reflection of Turkey's vision that 'a fairer world is possible.'

The chronological development of the forum parallels Turkey's proactive stance in foreign policy. Experiencing a transition from a regional power to a global actor, Turkey uses this forum to convey its own solution proposals directly to the international community. The 10th year is considered a turning point where this vision has matured and transformed into concrete policy proposals.

Expert and Industry Insights

Experts at the forum agreed that the global system is in a 'governance crisis.' In particular, the session titled 'Gaza at the Intersection of International Law and Humanitarian Collapse,' led by MIT President İbrahim Kalın, exposed the legitimacy crisis of the system. Industry representatives and academics summarized the forum's outcomes with the following points:

• The necessity of restructuring international law mechanisms in the face of power balances.
• How artificial intelligence technologies are shifting the power balance between states and corporations.
• The risks created by the use of energy corridors as a geopolitical weapon.
• Inflationary pressures created by regional conflicts during economic recovery processes.
• The fight against disinformation in the digital age and the ethical boundaries of algorithmic governance.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's assessments on the 'New Geopolitics of Connectivity' emphasized the decisive role of logistics lines and energy routes in the new world order. Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that artificial intelligence is not just a technology but a matter of sovereignty, drawing attention to the importance of Turkey's strategic moves in this field.

Economic and Social Implications

The session titled 'Towards a Painful Recovery Process,' featuring Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, represented the economic dimension of the forum. The impact of wars in the Middle East on global supply chains and energy prices was one of the most discussed topics. It was emphasized that economic stability is directly linked to political stability.

Socially, the forum allowed intellectuals from different geographies to become more familiar with Turkey's perspective. The session 'Who is in Control in the Algorithmic Age?' created social awareness regarding citizens' rights in the digital world and the supervisory role of states in this process. The forum functioned not only as a diplomatic summit but also as a laboratory where social resilience and technological literacy were debated.

Future Projections and Outlook

The TRT World Forum 2026 serves as a roadmap for the steps to be taken in the coming period. The most significant expectation emerging from the forum is the need for international institutions to become more inclusive and fair. Turkey's transition from a 'Regional Power to an Inter-Regional Actor' will bring more cooperation and multilateral diplomacy in the coming years.

In the near future, it is expected that new international working groups will be established under Turkey's leadership regarding artificial intelligence governance and energy security. The forum's final declaration sends a strong message that in a 'decentralized' world order, regional actors must take responsibility for solving global crises. Following its 10th anniversary, the TRT World Forum has moved beyond being just a discussion platform, further strengthening its mission as a think-tank that guides global policy-making processes.