Reza Pahlavi Speaks at 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York

Matthew Swift and the Concordia Annual Summit

Matthew Swift, who appeared alongside Pahlavi, is a co-founder of Concordia and has served as the organization’s President and CEO. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis. The organization is headquartered in New York City and describes itself as a nonpartisan organization focused on bringing together leaders from business, government and civil society.

Swift has played a central role in Concordia’s international programming and in the organization’s efforts to bring political, business and civil society leaders together for public and private discussions.

The 2026 Annual Summit featured a wide range of conversations covering international affairs, technology, government, economic development, security and social issues. Concordia’s programming model includes large public sessions as well as private roundtables and networking opportunities.

The conversation with Pahlavi therefore formed part of a wider program rather than being a standalone event focused exclusively on Iran.

The 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York

The 2026 Concordia Annual Summit was held from September 20 to September 23, 2026, in New York City. The principal venue was the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel at 811 Seventh Avenue.

The timing of the summit is significant because it coincides with the annual gathering of world leaders and diplomats in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Concordia describes the Annual Summit as its flagship convening. The organization says the gathering brings together global leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors and provides a forum for discussions about major challenges facing the international system.

The summit’s programming included discussions on democracy and security, innovative technology, global trade, energy, environmental transition, human rights, social progress and other international issues.

The event also provided opportunities for bilateral meetings and networking through Concordia Connect, allowing participating members and partners to arrange meetings during the summit.

September 23, 2026 | 2:56 pm