Conference Reports

This section provides a record of dialogues and roundtables on major policy challenges of our time. Through these discussions, political leaders, diplomats, senior officials, academics, business leaders, scientists, and civil society representatives have exchanged perspectives on issues of global significance. As a result, the reports offer valuable insights into the ideas and policy approaches that emerged from these exchanges.

The reports cover a broad range of issues central to international affairs. In particular, they address peace and conflict, water diplomacy, regional cooperation, environmental security, emerging technologies, governance, and global order. While many reports focus on South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, they also examine wider international trends and the growing interdependence of global challenges.

Taken together, these publications synthesise the principal themes, areas of convergence, and policy recommendations arising from expert deliberations. In doing so, they provide an account of how complex issues have been understood at different points in time. Moreover, the Conference Reports document dialogues across disciplines, sectors, and regions, thereby illustrating how such exchanges have contributed to the development of practical policy responses.

For researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students, the collection serves as a valuable resource. Not only do the reports demonstrate how sustained engagement can generate new perspectives among diverse stakeholders, but they also identify opportunities for cooperation. Furthermore, they support informed decision-making in areas where conventional approaches have often proved insufficient.

Ultimately, these publications reflect the evolution of Strategic Foresight Group’s work over time. At the same time, they demonstrate the organisation’s continuing commitment to informed dialogue, independent analysis, and constructive international engagement. Beyond serving as a record of past deliberations, the Conference Reports help readers understand the ideas, partnerships, and policy initiatives that have shaped the organisation’s contribution to international peace, security, and cooperation.

Water Security in the Middle East, Montreux, Switzerland, February, 2010

An international initiative on Water Security in the Middle East was launched at Montreux, Switzerland, on February 15-16, with two workshops attracting the participation of 60 leading policymakers. Workshop I on February 15, 2010 focussed on Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Workshop II on February 16, 2010 focussed on Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Territories.

Dhaka Declaration on Water Security, January, 2010

Strategic Foresight Group (SFG) and Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized the Second International Workshop on Himalayan Sub-regional Cooperation for Water Security in Dhaka on 15-16 January, 2010. This is part of a long term process to build confidence and cooperation between countries that make up the Himalayan River Basin.

SFG Workshop on Challenges of Water Stress and Climate Change in Asia, August, 2009

SFG had organized its first international workshop on the challenges of water stress and climate change in the Himalayan River Basins, in cooperation with the World Bank and IUCN. The project is supported by the Asian Security Initiative of John D and Catherine MacArthur Foundation. The workshop was attended by leading scientists and former ministers from Asia.

Workshop on the Cost of Conflict in the Middle East, Zurich, Switzerland, August, 2008

SFG convened its second workshop on the COCME report in Zurich in collaboration with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland on the 18th and 19th of August 2008. The following workshop attempted to identify the future costs of conflict in the region as well as the potential benefits.

Conference on Responsibility to the Future: Business, Peace and Sustainability, June, 2008

The Conference on Responsibility to the Future, held in June, was inaugurated by Honourable President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, in partnership with several institutions from around the world and co-chaired by eminent business leaders from East and West. The issues discussed such as food and water security, energy security, climate change and clean technologies were based off SFG's report on the top global emerging issues in the next 20 years. The conference set a precedent for global conferences held in Mumbai.

Workshop on the Cost of Conflict Middle East,Turkey, March, 2008

SFG convened its first workshop on the Cost of Conflict in the Middle East in Antalya, Turkey. The workshop was co-hosted by Department of Foreign Affairs of AK Party of Turkey and Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Switzerland and aimed to ascertain the various costs of incurred by the region due to the on-going enimities and conflicts.

Publications

The Essential Convergence

India’s AI Gambit: Navigating the Global Race

Framework for Responsible Use of AI in the Nuclear Domain

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