Brussels, 5 October 2026
Organized jointly by International Congress SHIELD and the International Diplomatic Council, the Brussels International Forum 2026 brought together diplomats, human rights advocates, media professionals, representatives of institutions and civil society, and thought leaders from around the world to exchange perspectives and explore pathways towards a more peaceful, just and humane future.
In an atmosphere of understanding, cooperation and constructive dialogue, the forum continued its programme of sessions and workshops, transforming its meeting rooms into an international platform for networking, the exchange of ideas and the development of shared perspectives on the challenges facing humanity.
An International Platform for Cooperation and Exchange
The forum welcomed participants and contributions from numerous countries and regions, including Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Egypt, Syria, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Austria, Luxembourg, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Italy, South Africa, Iraq, Belgium and the Kurdistan Region, alongside participants from other countries.
The programme also featured speeches and interventions delivered via video conferencing by participants joining from outside Brussels. These contributions broadened the forum’s international reach, extending dialogue beyond the conference venue and enabling a wider range of voices to contribute to the discussions.
Diplomatic, Human Rights and Humanitarian Perspectives
The working sessions were marked by active participation, with speakers addressing human rights, shared humanitarian and development challenges, and the importance of strengthening peace, stability and international cooperation.
Among the notable contributions were:
- Ambassador Ahmad Issa, International Congress SHIELD’s Commissioner-General for the Middle East and Africa and the organization’s commissioner and representative, delivered an address via video conference on the importance of stability, peace and development, highlighting key humanitarian challenges facing the region.
- Mr. Mohammed Al-Dali addressed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need to support education, reconstruction and the conditions required for a dignified life. His contribution conveyed aspects of the realities on the ground and the aspirations of people for peace and justice.
- Dr. Ahmad Al-Buqari, the organization’s ambassador worldwide, highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and expanding channels of communication and partnership among institutions and individuals across the international community.
- Ambassador Mohamedi Ahmed El-Ni, Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, contributed perspectives on regional integration, economic cooperation and development, and their role in supporting stability and peace.
- Dr. Mohammad Halaika, who has held several senior governmental and economic positions in Jordan, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Administrative Development, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Minister of State, shared his perspective on the importance of proactive dialogue and regional and international cooperation in addressing common challenges.
The forum also featured extensive contributions from thought leaders and representatives of International Congress SHIELD in several partner countries, including Austria, Germany, Syria, Moldova, Tunisia and Luxembourg, alongside diplomats, human rights advocates and media professionals.
Workshops Focus on Shared Global Challenges
Workshops and side meetings addressed a range of important issues affecting people’s lives and the future of societies. Participants emphasized the importance of continued consultation and the development of effective communication networks linking civil society organizations, official institutions and international bodies.
The sessions were characterized by openness, cooperation and a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives. They reflected a shared understanding that addressing global crises and challenges begins with building trust, promoting mutual understanding and creating channels for dialogue and cooperation among peoples and institutions.
Unanimous Approval of the Brussels Document 2026
At the conclusion of the meetings and activities, the forum’s proceedings culminated in the unanimous approval of the Brussels Document 2026, described as the outcome of collective effort, extensive dialogue and agreement on a number of shared humanitarian principles.
The document aims to outline future directions that strengthen dialogue, people-to-people and human rights diplomacy, support security and peace, uphold human rights and human dignity, and foster cooperation and understanding among peoples and cultures.
Its adoption represents a central outcome of the forum’s work and reflects the participants’ commitment to advancing a more peaceful, just and humane international environment.
Building Bridges Towards a Shared Human Future
Through its discussions, workshops and international contributions, the Brussels International Forum 2026 reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding as essential bridges towards a more peaceful and equitable future.
By bringing together diverse diplomatic, humanitarian, human rights and civil society perspectives, the forum sought to encourage constructive engagement and strengthen international partnerships in response to challenges that transcend national borders.
The forum’s message from Brussels is clear: meaningful progress requires listening to one another, respecting human dignity, protecting fundamental rights and working collectively towards peace.
Dialogue builds bridges. Cooperation creates opportunities. Human dignity must remain at the heart of our shared future.
Issued by the International Diplomatic Council, Brussels, in cooperation with International Congress SHIELD.
