About The Conversation

Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025

The Bay of Bengal Conversation is a premier annual geopolitical forum hosted by the Centre for Governance Studies in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bringing together leaders, diplomats, and thinkers from across the Indo-Pacific, it fosters frank dialogue on the rivalries, risks, and opportunities shaping our shared future. In an era of rising tensions, the Conversation stands as a call to replace confrontation with conversation.

The world has entered a turbulent new era. Conflict, climate volatility, economic fragmentation, and digital disruption are reconfiguring the global order at breakneck speed. From Ukraine to Gaza, from Taiwan to Sudan, power struggles are leaving deep geopolitical scars. Multilateralism falters. Democracy backslides. Hope flickers. In this landscape, old alliances are fraying while new ones form along unpredictable lines.

At the same time, Bangladesh finds itself at a unique political and diplomatic crossroads. Following a year of internal upheaval and regional recalibration, the country is cautiously stepping into the international spotlight. This is not just a moment for Bangladesh to be seen—but for it to speak, shape, and lead.

The Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025 arrives at this precise inflection point. As Centre for Governance Studies convenes the fourth edition of its flagship geopolitical dialogue in Dhaka, the stakes could not be higher—or more urgent.

From November 22–24, 2025, over 200 speakers, 300 delegates and 1000 participants from 85 countries will gather in Bangladesh’s capital to confront the fractures of our time. This high-level, by-invitation-only conference will host heads of government, ministers, members of parliament, military and civil bureaucrats, diplomats, corporate leaders, civil society figures, academics, journalists, and youth leaders from across the globe.

THIS YEAR'S THEME

Rivals, Ruptures, and Realignments

In a world marked by volatile contests for power, institutional breakdowns, and shifting strategic priorities, this year’s theme explores how nations and actors can adapt, respond, and cooperate amidst uncertainty.

TAGLINE

Navigating Power and Purpose in a Disordered World

THIS YEAR'S FIVE CENTRAL AGENDAS ARE:

1. Shifting Alliances and the New Geometry of Power

2. Crisis Multiplied: War, Fragility, and the End of Global Stability?

3. AI, Disinformation, and the Weaponization of Knowledge

4. Economic Realignments in an Era of Sanctions, Debt, and De-risking

5. Climate, Borders, and Security in a Warming Bay

FORMAT & PARTICIPATION

• By Invitation Only.

• Mandatory Registration for all participants, including speakers, delegates, and media.

• Sessions will be held across venues in Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.

• Conference formats will include: plenary discussions, ministerial speech, breakout sessions, townhalls, speed talks, diplomatic dialogues, and roundtables.


PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

The Bay of Bengal Conversation is organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), in association with international organizations, friendly governments, multilateral platforms, philanthropic entities, global think tanks, and corporate sponsors. Selected informal cooperation with strategic and security institutions may be considered.