The CEO of MENA2050, Mr. Eli Bar-On, participated in the 2026 Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, one of Europe’s leading international forums on security, geopolitics, and strategic affairs, hosted by the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS).

As part of the panel “From Agora to AI Slop: Balancing Public Narratives and Private Negotiations”, Eli Bar-On addressed the growing tension between public narratives, social media dynamics, and quiet diplomacy in today’s fragmented international environment. He highlighted how diplomacy in the Middle East increasingly operates on two parallel levels: the public sphere shaped by political pressures and online discourse, and quieter channels of strategic coordination that often continue even during periods of crisis.

Drawing on regional examples and connectivity initiatives, he emphasized that sustainable cooperation depends not only on rhetoric, but also on long-term strategic interests, economic interdependence, and institutional resilience.

MENA2050’s participation in the conference reflects its commitment to contributing to important international discussions on regional cooperation, connectivity, and the future of the Middle East and the Mediterranean.