Pakistan at Doha Forum

The Doha Forum, held from December 7-8, 2024, once again positioned itself as a premier platform for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. World leaders, policymakers and thought leaders met in Doha to discuss and devise strategies addressing critical global issues such as climate change, economic inequality and regional security, including Palestine, Syria and Ukraine.

Among the attendees was the Global Peace Summit (GPS), a prominent think tank representing Pakistan. Our participation underscored the country’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and dialogue.

The 2024 edition of the Doha Forum revolved around themes of global governance, peace, sustainable development, human rights, AI and prominent global issues. The event highlighted the need for inclusive and collaborative governance to navigate interconnected challenges such as economic disparity, environmental degradation, geopolitical tensions and regional wars. This year’s agenda reflected the urgency to prioritise sustainability and equitable development as the global community faces mounting crises.

One of the central themes of the forum was the imperative for inclusive global governance. Speakers stressed that global challenges -- climate change, economic inequality and regional conflicts -- are intricately linked and require collaborative solutions. The call for more inclusive governance resonated throughout the forum as participants emphasized the importance of empowering developing nations to play a pivotal role in shaping international policies. GPS’s representatives echoed this sentiment, advocating for innovative and balanced approaches to governance.

Climate action emerged as one of the most critical discussions during the forum. Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, delivered an impassioned address highlighting the need for immediate and collective efforts to mitigate climate change. World leaders pledged to intensify climate mitigation strategies, committing to sustainable development goals that prioritise environmental resilience.

GPS contributed significantly to these discussions, presenting a stark analysis of Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. Their advocacy for increased international support resonated with participants, including Stefano Pontecorvo, Italy’s ambassador to Qatar, lauded GPS’s climate resilience proposals.

Economic inequality, a persistent global challenge, also featured prominently on the agenda. Discussions moved to innovative models to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. Participants underscored the necessity of fostering economic integration and facilitating technology transfer to empower emerging economies.

GPS proposed pragmatic approaches to boost trade and investment between Pakistan and the Middle East, highlighting potential pathways for economic collaboration in the region.

The Doha Forum has long been a platform for addressing regional and global security issues, and this year was no exception. Experts explored strategies to promote regional stability and resolve conflicts through diplomacy and cooperative frameworks. GPS offered valuable insights into the impact of geopolitical shifts on regional security, pointing to the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in mitigating tensions. Their expertise in analysing regional dynamics drew praise from Dr Khalid Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s minister of education, who commended their innovative approaches to fostering peace.

The forum featured a series of keynote addresses by global leaders that set the tone for constructive dialogue. Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened the event by reiterating the significance of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges. Guterres said collective action on climate change, and the foreign minister of Russia also talked about the conflict in the region. Participants stressed the importance of regional collaboration in South Asia and the Middle East. These addresses underscored the forum’s role as a catalyst for fostering dialogue and actionable outcomes.

As the only Pakistani think tank represented at the forum, the GPS played a pivotal role in shaping discussions. Their active participation in panel discussions and round tables enriched the dialogue on key issues such as the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine war. The GPS delegation’s contributions ranged from proposing models for regional conflict and economic integration to advocating for enhanced regional cooperation. Highlighting Pakistan’s challenges and opportunities, they positioned the country as an active participant in the global discourse on peace and development.

The contributions of GPS did not go unnoticed. Several international delegates praised our thought-provoking ideas and pragmatic approaches. Director of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs Dr Tarik M Yousef commended our proposal on the Palestine issue. At the same time, Associate Professor in Public Policy at the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies Dr Tamer Qarmout acknowledged our innovative strategies for regional cooperation. Such endorsements reaffirmed GPS’s standing as a credible and influential voice in global forums.

The Doha Forum 2024 concluded on a note of optimism, reaffirming the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing the world’s most urgent issues. By providing a platform for diverse voices, the forum successfully fostered constructive dialogue and emphasised the collective responsibility of nations to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

As the global community navigates complex challenges, forums like Doha remain indispensable for fostering cooperation and innovation. The discussions held and commitments made during the event offer a roadmap for future progress. For Pakistan, the presence and contributions of GPS at such a high-profile event symbolise a significant step toward active engagement in international policymaking. The outcomes of the Doha Forum 2024 will undoubtedly influence global priorities in the years to come, reminding the world of the power of dialogue and collaboration in shaping a brighter future.

The writer is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Summit.