By Kingsley Okeke
In line with its age-long tradition since its inception, the 20th Doha Forum was opened by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The Forum which is one of the world’s premier policy gatherings, reconvened today for its 20th edition at the Sheraton Hotel, Doha, bringing together policymakers, world leaders, and experts from around the world under the theme ‘Transforming for a New Era’, after about two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While addressing delegates at the opening session of the Forum, the Emir called for a new future “for our children to inherit”, as this year’s program focused on climate change and sustainability; defence, cyber and food security; financial and economic development; and geopolitical alliances and international relations.
The Emir highlighted the prevailing tensions and divisions worldwide due to the crisis.
The Emir stressed Qatar’s rejection of violence that threatens national sovereignty and destroys human values, saying that “humanity cannot accept superpowers competing over weapons that threaten us all”.
In the face of the threats posed by a multipolar world, “we believe that social justice is the best tool we have”.
The Emir also drew the Forum’s attention to the plight of millions of Palestinians, “who have been suffering from the Israeli occupation and international neglect for more than seven decades”.
“The accusation of antisemitism is now misused against everyone who criticizes Israel’s policies,” he highlighted.
The two-day event has in attendance leaders, including prominent speakers, policy-makers, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, activists, and academics.
Members of the African Leadership Magazine team are joining over 500 selected delegates worldwide to attend the important event.
This year’s edition of the two-day policy forum welcomes more than 200 speakers to debate some of the world’s most challenging issues, particularly the forum’s key theme of ‘Transforming for a New Era’, with a focus on four key areas; Geopolitical Alliances and International Relations, Financial System and Economic Development, Defense, Cyber and Food Security and finally Climate Change and Sustainability.
During the opening session, following the official opening by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a warm welcome as he addressed the Doha Forum audience virtually, while Roya Mahboob, founder of the Digital Citizens Fund, received the Doha Forum Award 2022, which celebrates the achievements of an individual or organization based on the values of Doha Forum.
This year’s honourable guests include: H.E. Dr. Vjosa Osmani, President of Kosovo, H.E. Salem Al Meslet President of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, H.E. Mohammad Shtayyeh, Prime Minister, Palestine, H.E. Choguel Kokalla Maïga, Prime Minister, Mali, H.E. Mukhtar Tileuberdi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kazakhstan, with ministers and top diplomats from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ukraine, Singapore, Turkey, Bangladesh, Poland, Cote D’Ivoire, Afghanistan, Italy, Algeria, European Union, North Macedonia, Maldives, Jordan, Iraq, Mexico, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, Libya, Nigeria, Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Pakistan, Rwanda, New Zealand, the United States and United Kingdom.
Other notable guests include H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Chairperson, Qatar Museums, H.E. John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, H.E. Filippo Grandi High Commissioner, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, H.E. BØRGE Brende, President, World Economic Forum, H.E. Mary Robinson Chair, The Elders, H.E. Abdulla Shahid, President, United Nations General Assembly, Patrick Turner, Assistant Secretary General For Defense Policy And Planning, NATO, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, co-chairperson of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Malala Yousafzai, activist and Nobel Laureate.
