Tshisekedi Calls for “Rebuilt Multilateralism” Based on Regional Integration at Antalya

Antalya, April 18, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo has used its participation in the 5th Antalya Diplomatic Forum (ADF 2026) to advocate for a restructuring of global governance, with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo calling for a renewed model of multilateralism anchored in regional cooperation. The forum, held in Türkiye from April 17 to 19 under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, brought together heads of state, diplomats, policymakers, and experts to discuss global instability under the theme “Mapping the Future, Managing Uncertainties.” Speaking during a high-level panel on regional ownership in a changing world, President Tshisekedi argued that existing multilateral systems have shown structural limitations in responding to global crises, particularly in terms of speed and effectiveness. He said multilateralism should not be abandoned but rather “rebuilt and refounded” through stronger regional frameworks that can respond more rapidly to crises while fostering economic integration and shared development. The Congolese leader highlighted regional economic cooperation as a key driver of stability, noting that countries within the same region often share historical, cultural, and social ties that can facilitate more effective conflict resolution and coordinated development policies. As an example, he cited the Lobito Corridor, a major infrastructure and trade route designed to connect Central African production zones to global markets. He described it as a model of regional integration that demonstrates how shared economic interests can promote peace and stability. Tshisekedi further argued that regional mechanisms allow for a deeper understanding of local dynamics compared to distant multilateral frameworks, which he said can sometimes appear less responsive to specific crises. The forum also served as a platform for broader discussions on global governance, trade fragmentation, geopolitical tensions, and rising uncertainty in the international system. Participants engaged in plenary sessions, roundtables, and bilateral meetings aimed at identifying strategies for managing global risks while strengthening cooperation between regions. Organizers said the event is intended to rebuild trust in international dialogue and promote more resilient global partnerships in the face of increasing geopolitical volatility. For the DRC, the forum provided an opportunity to reinforce its diplomatic positioning as a proponent of regional integration as a foundation for both stability and economic transformation.