The Doha Forum 2025 concluded with impactful discussions focused on mediation, negotiation, and the importance of collaboration between Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This year's forum saw the Doha World Negotiation Day as its central highlight, with themes revolving around peacebuilding and conflict resolution in a fragmented world.

Key Highlights from Doha Forum 2025:

Doha World Negotiation Day 2025:

• Theme: "Negotiating Peace in a Fragmented World."
• The event featured global leaders and experts in diplomacy, shedding light on the evolving role of preventive diplomacy in managing rising global tensions.
• H.E. Malebona Precious Matsoso, former Director-General of South Africa's National Department of Health, was awarded the Negotiator of the Year Award for her exceptional leadership in public health and global health governance. Matsoso's current role in co-chairing the WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) for a pandemic agreement underlined her dedication to international cooperation.

Key Insights on Negotiation:

• Maha Al-Kuwari, General Manager of the Doha Forum, emphasized that negotiation is not just a tool but a mindset essential for global peace.
• H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for peace to be actively negotiated in today’s polarized world.
• The day underscored the importance of negotiation as a cornerstone for preventing conflict and promoting dialogue in global diplomacy.

Qatar Mediation Forum:

Parallel to the negotiation day, the Qatar Mediation Forum hosted a series of discussions about structural shifts in peace processes.

• Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, highlighted the critical role of non-state actors in mediation efforts, noting the importance of empowering NGOs and international organizations to participate actively in peacebuilding.
• Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation, voiced concern about the lack of focus on global peace by modern leaders, suggesting that the absence of discourse around peace is a dangerous shift.
• Dr. Comfort Ero, CEO of the International Crisis Group, discussed the potential of unconventional diplomatic approaches, including those championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that if such methods bring peace, they should be considered.

Africa-GCC Collaboration:

A growing theme in the Forum was the strengthened ties between Africa and the GCC, with the Africa-Gulf Cooperation Dialogue leading discussions on economic and diplomatic partnerships.

• Carole Kariuki, CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, highlighted the incredible potential of Africa’s youthful and growing population, particularly in sectors like agriculture. Africa’s untapped agricultural potential is expected to provide a market worth USD 1 trillion by 2030, signaling major opportunities for investment and collaboration between the regions.

Faith Leaders’ Role in Defending the UN Charter:

A significant panel focused on the contribution of faith leaders to upholding the UN Charter and international law, especially in times of humanitarian crises.

• Dr. Edward Kessler, Founder of the Woolf Institute, called for recognition of extremism within communities and the necessity of standing up for justice.
• Dr. Omar Suleiman, Founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, stressed the need for communities to challenge injustices, even when they come from within their own ranks, demonstrating a unified moral stance in the face of adversity.

Closing Thoughts:

The Forum, attended by over 6,500 participants from 170+ countries, highlighted Doha’s continued role as a leading platform for fostering international cooperation. It showcased a broad spectrum of dialogue, from conflict resolution to faith-based initiatives, reinforcing the urgency of diplomacy and partnership in a world grappling with rising geopolitical challenges.

The Doha Forum 2025 stood as a testament to the power of diplomacy, negotiation, and collaboration across regions, paving the way for greater global peace and prosperity.