Under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of Qatar 2018 Doha Forum set for December 15-16 Bringing together global decision-makers and new Forum partners

As many of the world’s top decision-makers and influencers prepare to convene in Qatar’s capital for the 2018 Doha Forum, the gathering’s organizers announced this year’s Forum will launch a remarkable new era of Forum partnerships with several of the world’s most prestigious international policy institutions.

The theme for the solutions-focused 2018 Doha Forum is “Shaping Policy in an Interconnected World.”

Among the world leaders, policymakers, business leaders and advocates participating in the Doha Forum will be 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad, the inspiring young Iraqi human rights activist.

For the first time, the Doha Forum is teaming up with many of the world’s most acclaimed international institutions as partners, ensuring the 2018 gathering will showcase an unprecedented diversity of views and be extraordinarily compelling and impactful.

The Forum also released a refreshed visual identity and slogan ‘Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity’. Channeling the Forum’s renewed ambition, Doha Forum’s new logo and brand have been crafted to enhance and unify the Forum’s identity while strengthening its global presence and reputation for policy innovation. The slogan speaks to the forums efforts to position itself at the forefront of global policy-making, promote critical dialogue, and engage leaders from diverse policy backgrounds and expertise.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry stated: “Today, Qatar is a different place, therefore it’s only natural that the Doha Forum, like our country, is given new life. The rebranding of the Forum in 2018 is a result of organic progression. It has evolved, much like our country.”

His Excellency Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, commented, “Today we are launching a new visual identify for the Doha Forum because we recognize the importance of keeping up with the fast-paced changes our world is witnessing today, while ensuring that the principles that the Forum was built on remain steadfast. These principles are embodied in our belief in activating diplomacy to resolve disputes; employing genuine and honest dialogue in policy-making, and preserving diversity of thought and representation.”

Her Excellency Lolwah Al Khater, Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qatar stated: “The Doha Forum was established 18 years ago as the region’s only large-scale international forum designed to address global challenges and advance pragmatic solutions. Since its inception, the Forum has evolved into an ideal vantage point to explore the issues that affect us all.”

“This year, the Doha Forum is returning to build on its track record of advancing agendas for leaders and citizens alike, and we look forward to working with our strategic partners to enhance Doha Forum’s impact and network,” she added.

Director of Brookings Doha Center, Tarik Yousef, stated: “The events taking place in Doha this week alone demonstrate that Qatar is a place where we can engage freely and openly on the most difficult subjects we face in the Arab world. Qatar is well positioned to claim its title of capital of ideas, free thought and honest debate. The Brookings Doha Center is incredibly privileged to be part of this edition of the Doha Forum.”

Elizabeth Schaeffer Brown, Co-executive Director of Nadia’s Initiative, stated: “Nadia has been working on peace-building and mediation for over three years in Iraq, and she is looking forward to sharing her experience at the Doha Forum”.

The 2018 Forum’s overarching strategic partners: the Munich Security Conference, the International Crisis Group, and the European Council on Foreign Relations. The Forum’s content partners, co-producing individual Forum sessions, include RAND, the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism, the Observer Research Foundation, the Center for the National Interest, the UCLA Middle East Development Center, the S. Rajartnam School for International Studies, the Doha Institute, the Valdai Discussion Club, the Global Dryland Alliance and the Brookings Center in Doha. Qatari government partners are the Ministry of Finance, the Minister of Economy and Commerce, the Ministry of Energy and Industry, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Qatar Tourism Authority.