Doha is getting ready to welcome world leaders, policymakers and experts for the 2025 Doha Forum on 6–7 December. This year’s theme, “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress”, is about moving discussions into action.
Mubarak Ajlan Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Doha Forum, told Euronews the theme reflects what people want.
“Inequalities are widening and crises are becoming more connected. Across regions, people want not just fairness, but progress,” he said. “‘Justice in Action’ is about turning commitments into policies that make a difference.”
The Forum brings together people with different views who still want to work on common problems.
Al-Kuwari said this year will see more small, closed-door discussions where policymakers and experts can speak openly about urgent issues such as Gaza, Sudan and Yemen.
“These private discussions complement our public sessions,” he said. “For example, our AI and Mediation Workshop on Day 3 brings mediators and technologists together to see how new tools can help resolve conflicts.”
He added that the Forum also helps ideas continue after the event, helping people stay in touch and work together later.
Looking at global divides
Al-Kuwari said a big topic this year is the gap between the Global North and South. Many inequalities come from systems built without wide representation.
The Forum wants to give underrepresented voices more space and look at new ways to work together, including South–South partnerships.
One session, “BRICS, GCC and Evolving Relations for a Changing Global Order”, will look at how new alliances are changing influence around the world.
“A more multipolar world brings opportunities, but also a responsibility to make governance fairer and more inclusive,” he said.
Al-Kuwari said technology can help people get better healthcare, food and internet access if it reaches the right communities.
“Innovation can be a powerful equaliser when it helps more people, whether through healthcare, food systems, or digital tools,” he said.
He highlighted sessions such as “Humanity’s Next Chapter: Innovation and Impact from the Global South” and “Competing for the Future: AI’s Role in Economic Transformation and Global Power,” which will examine how technology can help more people benefit.
Youth at the table
Young people are taking part through the Doha Forum Youth Edition with QatarDebate and will join main sessions on technology, fairness and climate.
“Policymakers, youth leaders, experts and innovators all have different ideas. When they come together, the discussion is stronger,” Al-Kuwari said.
He also mentioned the UNITAR Masterclass, which helps young people gain practical skills to fully participate.
Al-Kuwari said he is hopeful about what dialogue can achieve. “Even when the world feels divided, people still see the value in coming together. Talking doesn’t solve everything, but it helps us understand each other and find common ground,” he said.
“That willingness to engage keeps progress possible.”