3rd Qatar Economic Forum: a catalyst for sustainable growth

In the ever-evolving landscape of global economics, the just concluded 3rd Qatar Economic Forum proved to be a resounding success, underscoring Qatar's commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and global collaboration.
The event brought together more than 1,000 global participants including many high-level dignitaries and served as a platform for meaningful discussions and exchange paving the way to better economic opportunities locally and globally.
QEF 2023, which was held under the high patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani explored the latest trends in finance, energy, healthcare and technology, and examined their potential to drive future growth, through a series of keynote interviews, panel discussions and interactive workshops.
His Highness the Amir attended the inaugural panel discussion, which featured the President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, and another panel discussion themed "The New Energy Model".
The opening was also attended by Paraguay President Mario Abdo Benitez, Armenia's President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Investment Minister Khalid A. al-Falih and Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan also attended various panel sessions.
Among the Qatari dignitaries who addressed the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum included HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE the Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, HE the Governor of Qatar Central Bank, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker, and Qatar Investment Authority CEO Mansoor Ebrahim al-Mahmoud.
The forum has been growing in scope since its inaugural edition in 2021. This year’s forum brought together global CEOs and business leaders including Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Michael R.Bloomberg, Bloomberg CEO, Shou Chew, CEO, TikTok; David Calhoun, President and CEO at The Boeing Company; Steven T Mnuchin, former Secretary of the Treasury, US; as well as economics expert Nouriel Roubini; and General David H Petraeus (US Army, retired), Partner, KKR and Chairman, KKR Global Institute, among others.
Strategically located in Doha, the third edition of the forum drew on Qatar’s ability to link Asia with Africa and beyond, as well as its position as a key global diplomatic hub and a leader in LNG energy technologies.
Shining a light on the rising south-to-south economy, QEF 2023 highlighted established viewpoints and emerging voices from around the world to identify the latest economic trends.
It provided fresh and unique perspectives on the issues driving boardroom conversations around the world.
More than 50 regional and international speakers made up of government leaders, CEOs, global investors and influential voices from the worlds of culture, sport and entertainment, were present during the event.
HE Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of the Supreme Committee Organising the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, and CEO of Media City Qatar ((MCQ), emphasised the significance of Qatar’s role as the host of the forum, noting that the event solidified Qatar’s position as a global platform for dialogue on various economic topics such as inflation, investment in emerging markets, energy transformation, trade and sports, among others.
He said launching the Qatar Economic Forum aimed to establish a diverse media platform that brings together global business leaders to formulate actionable steps towards economic growth.
Amid growing concerns about climate change and sustainable development, the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 emerged as a platform to address these pressing issues. The forum's emphasis on responsible leadership and environmental stewardship resonated with participants, who discussed strategies to align economic growth with environmental conservation. Qatar's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals was evident throughout the event, with discussions on renewable energy, circular economy models, and social inclusivity. By championing sustainable development, the forum showcased Qatar's dedication to creating a prosperous future that safeguards the planet for generations to come.
The 3rd Qatar Economic Forum demonstrated a remarkable level of organisational excellence that left a lasting impression on participants and observers alike. From its meticulous planning to flawless execution, every aspect of the forum reflected a commitment to detail and a dedication to creating an immersive experience. The organizers seamlessly coordinated logistics, ensured state-of-the-art infrastructure, and provided an atmosphere conducive to productive dialogue. This commitment to excellence elevated the forum to a premier global platform for economic discourse.
This forum has not only positioned Qatar as a global leader in economic discourse but has also laid the foundation for meaningful collaborations that can shape the world's economic landscape. As the legacy of the Qatar Economic Forum continues to unfold, its impact will undoubtedly extend far beyond the confines of Doha, leaving an indelible mark on the path to a prosperous and sustainable future.
The 2023 forum witnessed the signing of multiple agreements involving both domestic and international entities, which played a significant role in Qatar’s private and public sectors.
Media City Qatar (MCQ) has signed a new multi-year contract with Bloomberg Media, securing the annual ‘Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg’ (QEF), until 2027.