Qatar Pushes Peace at Security Forum 2025
The 2025 Global Security Forum (GSF) opened yesterday in Doha, bringing together global leaders, security experts, academics, and civil society members to tackle one of today’s biggest questions: how non-state actors are reshaping global security.
فيديو ذات صلة
This browser does not support the video element.
Now in its seventh edition, the three-day event is themed “The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security,” and is being held at a time when terrorist groups, cybercriminals, private military companies, and humanitarian organizations alike are playing an increasingly central role in shaping conflicts and responses.
Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement!
Qatar’s Prime Minister Calls for Global Dialogue
The forum was inaugurated by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, who delivered a powerful keynote. He emphasized Qatar’s long-standing commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the foundation for global peace.
“Constructive engagement with humanitarian organisations, civil society, the private sector, and academia is an integral part of any serious effort to achieve sustainable stability,” he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the complex threat landscape the world now faces, including non-state actors that thrive in conflict zones, and the complacency of some governments that opens the door for further instability. He warned of blurred moral lines and a global system struggling with weakened standards and disrupted balances.
Gaza Conflict a Central Focus
A significant portion of his address focused on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.
“Supporting the Palestinian people is not a political position that can be negotiated, but a moral and humanitarian commitment,” he said.
He reaffirmed Qatar’s active role, alongside Egypt, the US, and regional players, in pushing for a lasting ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. The Prime Minister condemned the use of food and medicine as tools of war, calling it “a disgrace to the entire world.”
“The death of children from hunger and cold is exploited as a weapon to achieve narrow political goals.”
Signs of Hope in Syria, Lebanon, and Central Africa
Despite the challenges, the Prime Minister noted glimmers of progress in several conflict zones.
In Syria, he pointed to ongoing reconstruction and efforts to build a new national dialogue.
In Lebanon, he described the presidential elections and government formation as a chance to rebuild institutions, if accompanied by real reform.
In Central Africa, Qatar recently hosted peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, which led to early agreements on de-escalation and confidence-building.
These, he said, are signs that dialogue, both formal and community-based, can make a tangible difference.
Sessions Dive Deep Into New Threats
The first day of GSF 2025 featured panels and discussions covering a wide range of emerging threats. Sessions included:
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation in an Age of Non-State Actors and Fragmented Power
- The Future of Global Security: State vs. Non-State Influence
- Navigating Crisis: The Role of Humanitarian Organizations in Conflict Zones
- A Potential Breakthrough in US-Iran Nuclear Talks: An American Perspective
Speakers discussed the evolving threat from transnational terrorist groups, criminal syndicates, cyber disruptions, and even private military companies, all of which are increasingly able to rival or undermine state power.
Qatar's Role as Peace Partner
The forum is jointly organized by the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS) and The Soufan Center, with support from strategic global partners.
The Prime Minister closed his remarks with a call to rethink traditional notions of security and strengthen international cooperation.
“Qatar is committed to continuing its role as an active partner in peace and development, supporting political solutions, humanitarian action, and long-term stability that protects communities from extremism.”
As GSF 2025 continues over the next two days, all eyes are on the sessions that may shape how governments and global institutions engage with the non-state players driving today’s security challenges.