DOHA FORUM 2022
26 - 27 March 2022
Sheraton Grand, Doha, Qatar
TRANSFORMING FOR A NEW ERA
As the world recovers from the largest shock to the global economy since the Second World War, leaders and policymakers must come together to develop policy innovations aimed at saving the most lives and avoiding permanent damage. As of May 2021, there are more than 160 million COVID-19 cases worldwide, 3 million deaths so far and countless more lives have been affected. Nonetheless, changemakers have paved the way for advancements in various different spheres such as technology, medicine, sustainability and racial equality.
Valuable lessons have emerged as governments work to resolve challenges in a climate far removed from the one they had previously known. The global turmoil has also directed efforts towards building the resilience of international systems. Global challenges throughout the twentieth century have forced governments to forge unlikely alliances and advance inventive solutions to rising threats. A return to the past is not a viable option; the only path ahead for the international community is to adapt and even more importantly to transform for the New Era that we all want and that humanity needs.
The pandemic has caused unprecedented fluctuations in all facets of life; it has erupted into a landscape of change exposing vulnerabilities and strengths, accelerating existing trends and altering the balance of power. During this time, the United States has been through a period of major political re-configuration as foreign policy transitioned from one administration to another, bringing to light how transformative and, at times, disruptive one alteration in leadership can have on the world. India has been one of hardest hit countries in the pandemic, which has exasperated some of the existing challenges such as inequality and political fragmentation. Meanwhile, China weathered the pandemic by re-surfacing on the world stage stronger than before and further reinforcing its model of good governance, its diplomatic influence through ‘face mask diplomacy’ and the ongoing Belt and Road initiative. Russian influence grows with its military ties to countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and especially the Middle East, and its massive exports of fossil fuels to Europe. In the meantime, the EU is struggling with the rise of divisive politics in a post-Brexit era.
The balance of global power continues to drastically shift from its previous one-man equilibrium, with Russia and China cementing their positions as leading rivals of the United States and calling into question the responsibilities their power necessitates.
Will the varying dynamics culminate in the establishment of a new model for a new era? Are there mechanisms in place to ensure that these transformations increase economic growth, reduce inequality, enhance sustainable development and protect
vulnerable communities? In this time of upheaval, what will the role of transnational institutions such as the UN, WHO, NATO and the IMF be, and what reforms should take place to tackle the world’s rising challenges?
22 years since its inception, Doha Forum, now in its 20th edition, reconvenes once more in March 2022 and this year will discuss ‘Transforming for a New Era’, with a focus on four core areas:
- Geopolitical Alliances and International Relations
- Financial System and Economic Development
- Defense, Cyber and Food Security
- Climate Change and Sustainability
Building on the conversations that have continued to take place after the last edition, Doha Forum 2022 will once again bring together a distinguished group of leaders, thinkers, policy makers and journalists to tackle our shared challenges as we transition into unchartered territory looking for solutions and opportunities.