Senior defence officials and military leaders convened in Singapore to discuss evolving security challenges and advance preparations for the 2026 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue
The 14th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting is taking place at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore from 18 to 20 January 2026, bringing together senior defence officials, high-ranking military officers, and non-governmental experts from across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
The Sherpa Meeting serves as an important forum for defence diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region, providing a dedicated platform for senior defence policymakers to examine the region’s evolving security landscape and exchange views on emerging strategic challenges.
Discussions during the meeting are conducted on an off-the-record basis, allowing participants to engage in frank and constructive dialogue. In addition to plenary sessions, the meeting also facilitates bilateral meetings and informal exchanges among delegates.
The Sherpa Meeting is organised under the auspices of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and plays a key role in shaping the agenda for the annual IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, one of the world’s leading defence and security forums.
The annual IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Singapore from 29 to 31 May 2026, with outcomes from the Sherpa Meeting expected to contribute to focused and substantive discussions at the main dialogue later this year.
Source: ASEAN
