Doha Forum opens with focus on trade, AI and global health

DOHA, QATAR: The Doha Forum kicked off on Saturday, with delegates holding extensive discussions on pressing global challenges, including world trade, technological development and the transformative rise of artificial intelligence.

The two‑day conference, organised to bring together world leaders, policymakers and global experts for a dynamic, solution‑oriented dialogue, is expected to establish the platform as a timely centre for multilateral engagement against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian needs. More than 6,000 participants and around 500 speakers from more than 160 countries have contributed to the forum’s scale and prestige.

Organisers said the main topics on the agenda include the Gaza crisis, global health financing and the responsibility of relevant nations to raise funds for essential services. Participants are expected to engage in intensive discussions about the need to reconsider global trade routes amid changing national policies.

In a session on Saturday, in‑depth discussions were held on the direct and indirect impacts of AI and the US‑China relationship. Although the US‑China tariff dispute has affected trade and supply chains worldwide, delegates expressed satisfaction that recent agreements are reshaping global economic activity.

Dr Omar Khleif Al Gharaibeh, Associate Dean for Quality at the Business School of Al al‑Bayt University in Jordan, told journalists in a forward‑looking analysis about the forum’s agenda and its impact: “Amid global geopolitical turbulence, sluggish economic growth, and fluctuations among economically powerful nations, the ongoing International Doha Forum will prove to be a milestone in favour of balancing and strengthening the world economy, with a historic moment.”

He said that ‘reimagining the future of business’ is no longer merely theoretical; it is a strategic necessity to recalibrate the global economic structure for flexibility and adaptability. Al Gharaibeh described the emerging paradigm as flexible globalisation, a departure from linear models designed to navigate escalating risks.

He added that, while this shift is vital, it faces real‑world headwinds, including rising protectionism and the strategic weaponisation of supply chains by global powers. These dynamics, he noted, make the reorganisation of global trade more intricate than it appears on paper.

Associate Dean Al Gharaibeh explained that flexible globalisation hinges on diversifying supply chains, reducing overreliance on limited production hubs and selectively reshoring critical industries. It also calls for a regulatory overhaul that balances market openness with economic security. However, these ambitions are challenged by intensifying tech wars and strategic rivalries, which hinder consensus on trade rules in sensitive sectors.

Al Gharaibeh emphasised that the forum’s theme, “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress,” aligns with the mission to recalibrate trade rules as a lever for global equity rather than a mechanism for widening wealth gaps. This, he said, begins with empowering developing nations to access advanced markets, integrate into value chains through innovative financing and boost digital readiness.

Deliberations on conflict resolution and sustainable peacebuilding continued throughout Saturday, with a debate held in collaboration with major think tanks and global organisations on the responsibility of regional and global actors in international economic crises, conflict resolution and sustainable peacebuilding.

A session co‑organised by the International Policy Research Centre, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Gulf Research Centre examined relations between Gulf countries and the European Union and assessed changing geopolitical dynamics and opportunities for renewed cooperation.

In partnership with the Gates Foundation, the forum addressed the instability of global health financing. Delegates discussed new ways to strengthen primary health service systems when declining international assistance could put achieved progress at risk. A session with the Centre for China and Globalization focused on the evolving US‑China relationship, including assessments of trade, diplomacy and the re‑establishment of power in the changing world context.

At the inaugural ceremony, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, “The role of Qatar in the global forum is focused on maintaining dialogue and mediation. We will help to resolve conflicts and end human suffering without favouring any side.” He added that Qatar had played an active role in initiatives for the establishment of peace in Gaza and Ukraine.

In a session at the Doha Forum, Microsoft founder Bill Gates highlighted the need for financial support and the use of technology to strengthen global health systems. “We should take collective initiative to tackle health challenges in future, and attention should be paid to system‑wise reform,” he said.

Qatar’s Al‑Raya daily emphasised the significance of the Doha Forum 2025, saying the event is crucial given the current delicate global landscape. “The forum will aid in steering the world towards a just path amidst political strife, humanitarian emergencies and swift technological advancements,” the paper noted. The Doha Forum has positioned Qatar not just as a host but as an active contributor to shaping the future of global diplomacy and cooperation.

Power of media and the search for truth

In a notable programme titled ‘The Power of Media and the Search for Truth’, held in partnership with international media, senior journalists from various countries took part in thorough discussions on urgent global matters and potential solutions. The panel, led by Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim and co‑organised by Neil Patel, executive director and co‑founder of the American political debate programme Tucker Carlson Network, commended the resilience and bravery of journalists engaged in on‑the‑ground reporting in Gaza.

Speakers underscored the growing significance of new media in contemporary journalism, predominantly accessed via smart devices and mobile phones and especially on social media platforms. They said this shift has transformed how news and information are shared, requiring mass communicators to become proficient in these tools as technology evolves. Panellists emphasised the role of these platforms in enhancing and speeding up the distribution of news content generated by traditional media outlets, while also addressing drawbacks associated with certain modern media tools.

The programme specifically pointed to the role of AI technologies in the rapid spread of unverified information or the creation of false or misleading content. At the conclusion of the event, panellists called for a cautious approach to media that disseminates deceptive or fabricated news without credible sources. They advocated a focus on creative and meaningful journalism that contributes to societal development and progress through effective communication, while urging the responsible use of AI to foster more refined and accountable journalism.

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