Al-Bayan Center Hosts Geneva Center in a Seminar on Track II Diplomacy and Its Role in Peacebuilding

Al-Bayan Center for Studies and Planning held a dialogue seminar titled “Track II Diplomacy and Its Role in Peacebuilding,” featuring Mr. Paul Dziatkowiec, Director of Mediation and Peace Support at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

The seminar was opened by Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who highlighted the importance of Track II diplomacy in supporting official initiatives on complex political and security issues. He called on Iraqi think tanks to take the lead in this field.

Dr. Al-Alawi referenced several initiatives launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including those related to water issues, climate change, and the establishment of a regional cooperation council, emphasizing that Track II efforts are crucial to achieving progress in these areas.

In his remarks, Mr. Dziatkowiec emphasized the pivotal role of Track II diplomacy in advancing peace. He noted that its strength lies in offering a space for confidentiality, safety, and creative thinking, which helps the official track reach common ground and potential agreements that can end conflicts.

The seminar also explored strategic approaches to implementing effective Track II diplomacy by drawing on international experiences, such as the Ukrainian case. However, Mr. Dziatkowiec stressed that solutions cannot be “transplanted” from one country to another. He underscored that mediation efforts must be context-specific, and imposed solutions without deep engagement in the local context are ineffective. He highlighted the importance of inclusivity and listening to all parties involved.

The session featured contributions from diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, academics, and political science students, who discussed how Iraq could benefit from Track II diplomacy in negotiating and mediating both domestic and international challenges.