Oslo Forum 2026: when diplomacy matters most
The 2026 Oslo Forum has concluded after bringing together 140 senior mediators, policymakers, diplomats and peace practitioners from over 50 countries for two days of discussions on the challenges of peacemaking amid growing global instability and conflict.
Co-hosted by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), the Forum took place under the theme “The cost of war, the price of peace,” against a backdrop of escalating violence in several regions, mounting geopolitical tensions, and growing concern over the erosion of international norms designed to protect civilians during conflict.
Held under the Chatham House Rule, the Oslo Forum provides a trusted space for those directly involved in mediation and conflict resolution to exchange experiences, explore new approaches and reflect candidly on the obstacles facing peace efforts worldwide.
Participants in this year’s Forum discussions included Kenyan President William Ruto, the foreign ministers of Mali and Burkina Faso, senior representatives from the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America, the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, and China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East. Representatives from the United Nations, regional organisations and experienced mediators working across a wide range of conflict settings also took part.
Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, underscored the enduring importance of diplomacy despite the prevalence of armed conflict.
“Few wars end with the complete victory of one side. The vast majority of wars end at the negotiating table. This is a reminder that diplomacy remains essential,” he said.
Discussions throughout the Forum reflected the profound human, political and economic costs of protracted conflict, as well as the growing challenges faced by mediators seeking to engage parties in increasingly fragmented and polarised environments.
Participants also highlighted concerns about the protection of civilians and the pressures facing the international humanitarian system.
“A lack of respect for international humanitarian law is unfortunately a defining feature of many of today’s wars and conflicts,” said Eide. “This makes the situation even more dangerous for civilians and complicates the work of humanitarian organisations assisting those affected. When attacks on civilians, hospitals, and critical infrastructure become part of warfare, international law comes under pressure.”
These concerns reinforced a broader message that emerged throughout the Forum: the need to sustain mediation efforts even amid escalating violence. As David Harland, Executive Director of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), observed, “As war becomes louder, diplomacy must become more stubborn.”
Since its establishment in 2003, the Oslo Forum has remained one of the world’s leading platforms for conflict mediators and peace practitioners. At a time when many conflicts appear increasingly entrenched, participants left the Forum with a shared recognition that, while the human and political costs of war continue to rise, sustained engagement and diplomacy remain indispensable to the pursuit of peace.
Further insights and reflections from the 2026 Oslo Forum will be published in the Forum Report this autumn, alongside Season 8 of The Mediator’s Studio podcast, featuring conversations with selected mediators and negotiators who participated in the Forum.
Click here to get updates on this year’s Oslo Forum
Click here for Seasons 1-7 of The Mediator’s Studio podcast series with prominent peacemakers.
© Photo: Oslo Forum / Ilja C. Hendel