The Doha Forum was established in 2000 under the rule of the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The annual Doha Forum is returning in its 23rd edition on Saturday with more than 6,000 participants from more than 150 countries, including world leaders, policymakers and global experts.
The two-day event is taking place at the Sheraton Hotel under the patronage of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and under the slogan “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress”.
The event, an annual showcase of Qatar’s position as a hub for dialogue, is set to discuss solutions for the latest global challenges and topics, including geopolitical tensions and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence.
The situation in the Gaza Strip will be a central and highlighted topic, particularly given Qatar’s ongoing crucial role as a mediator striving to bring an end to the genocidal war.
One such session is titled “The Gaza Reckoning: Reassessing Global Responsibilities and Pathways to Peace”, which will be held with the International Crisis Group with the participation of Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.
The Doha Forum’s Executive Director Mubarak Al-Kuwari described the event in a press release as “a leading platform”.
“As a convener of diverse voices, Doha Forum stands as a leading platform to explore how diplomacy, development, and humanitarian action can intersect to deliver measurable, inclusive progress,” he said.
The most prominent speakers this year include Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Microsoft Founder Bill Gates, and United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese.
Last year’s edition took place under the theme “The Innovation Imperative” and saw the attendance of more than 5,000 guests, including more than 350 speakers.
Establishment and evolution
The Doha Forum itself was established in 2000 under the rule of the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The first such edition took place in 2001 and was organised by the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University in cooperation with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the slogan “Democracy and Free Trade”.
The first edition saw 500 participants including academic and media experts from 30 countries in addition to international bodies.
The 2018 edition saw Doha Forum launch a new visual identity under the slogan “Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity”, showcasing the event’s identity and Qatar’s position as a platform for dialogue.
