The 24th International Symi Symposium concluded its five-day discourse today, marking another successful gathering of the world's most influential minds. Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, a partner at LUGARIT, delivered a notable presentation on the final day, focusing on the far-reaching impact of the Ukraine war on the Middle East.

The Symposium, held from July 10th to 14th in picturesque Lagonisi, Greece, is renowned for its annual assembly of global thinkers. This includes intellectuals, politicians, Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, diplomats, scientists, and activists who engage in vital discussions on pressing global issues. Since its inception in 1998, the Symi Symposium has been a platform for insightful debates and solution-oriented dialogues.

This year's program focused on the implications of the war in Ukraine, and also covered a range of topics like cultural identity, human centered AI, participative democracy, Turkey, the challenges of the alt-right movement in U.S. politics, and the ongoing health revolution.

Day 5, the closing day, was particularly impactful with discussions centered around the Ukrainian war's influence on the Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean landscape. Mr. Hallaj, speaking in a session moderated by Professor Mary Kaldor of the London School of Economics (LSE), offered an incisive overview of the political turmoil in the Middle East in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.

Mr. Hallaj highlighted the dilemmas facing Damascus's leadership, particularly their support for Russia amidst fears of a potential withdrawal of Russian forces from Syrian territory. This situation, as Mr. Hallaj outlined, benefits Tehran's strategies and leaves Damascus seeking financial aid from Iran, which demands flexibility in territorial negotiations.

Furthermore, Mr. Hallaj touched upon the ongoing debates surrounding the drafting of Syria's new constitution. He contrasted the conservative focus on state identity with progressive calls for defining state roles and competencies more clearly.

The session concluded with insights from Ms. Rim Turkmani, an LSE researcher. She emphasized the need to align Geneva initiatives with Syrian development aid programs, stressing the importance of human rights and press freedom as benchmarks for progress.

The 24th International Symi Symposium, through sessions like these, continues to foster meaningful discussions, playing a vital role in shaping global thought and policy.