Uganda joins global leaders at Antalya Forum as Türkiye expands diplomatic influence

April 16, 2026 in by Editor

 

Foreign Affairs minister Odongo Jeje Abubaker has travelled to Türkiye to participate in the 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026), as Kampala seeks to deepen its global engagement amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The forum, scheduled for April 17–19 in Antalya under the theme “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” has increasingly positioned itself as a key platform for dialogue on global governance, conflict resolution, and economic cooperation.

Hosted under the auspices of the Turkish government and led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum has in recent years evolved into a strategic convening point bringing together heads of state, policymakers, diplomats, and thought leaders from across the world.

For Türkiye, the forum reflects a broader ambition to expand its diplomatic footprint and position itself as a central actor in mediating global and regional issues—bridging divides between East and West, and increasingly, between the Global North and South.

Uganda’s participation signals its intent to leverage such platforms to advance both its diplomatic and economic priorities.

At ADF2026, Odongo is expected to speak as a panelist on “Investing in Africa’s Future: Strategy, Scale and Competitiveness,” a theme closely aligned with Uganda’s focus on attracting investment into critical sectors to drive socioeconomic transformation.

The session is likely to spotlight Africa’s evolving role in global value chains, as well as the need for scalable investment frameworks that can unlock growth across infrastructure, energy, and industrial development.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Ugandan minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Fidan and other counterparts, aimed at strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation. Uganda’s delegation includes Ambassador Nusura Tiperu and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Beyond individual engagements, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum has carved out a niche as a platform that blends traditional diplomacy with forward-looking discussions on emerging global challenges.

Unlike more formal multilateral gatherings, ADF places emphasis on informal dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, allowing for candid exchanges on issues ranging from conflict and security to climate change, technology, and economic resilience.

This positioning has made the forum particularly relevant at a time of heightened global uncertainty, marked by geopolitical tensions, fragmented alliances, and shifting economic centres of gravity.

For African countries, participation in such forums offers an opportunity to shape narratives, attract investment, and build strategic partnerships beyond traditional Western-led platforms.

Uganda’s presence at ADF2026 comes as the country continues to pursue a more outward-looking foreign policy, aimed at diversifying partnerships and enhancing its role in regional and global diplomacy.