Qatar Economic Forum builds on 'resounding success' of previous editions

The previous editions of the Qatar Economic Forum were a resounding success, underscoring Qatar's commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and global collaboration.For instance, last year’s forum witnessed signing of multiple agreements involving both domestic and international entities, which played a significant role in Qatar’s private and public sectors.In May 2023, Doha hosted the third edition of the 'Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg,' under the slogan 'A New Global Growth Story'.The QEF held in collaboration with Media City Qatar, has grown to become one of the most influential business forums in the region.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.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 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.Amid growing concerns about climate change and sustainable development, QEF 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 wider, prestigious international participation in the third edition of the forum, which reached 130 countries, reflected the importance of this global platform for dialogue on the challenges facing the global economy, especially as the forum tries to cover all aspects of the economy, be it in terms of trade and linking it to energy, investments, modern technology, or general mood of consumers, as well as geopolitical turmoil and its complex impacts.The three-day forum was full of in-depth and serious discussions and aimed to put the global economy back on track to growth and anticipate its future in a rapidly changing world.Through seven main sessions that included more than 50 sub-sessions, the forum discussed strengthening international economic partnerships, consolidating bridges of communication and dialogue between different peoples, and how to maximise the global competitiveness of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries in a changing and dynamic economic system.Held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the first edition of the forum was held virtually in Doha in June 2021 under the theme 'Reimagining the World'.It saw the participation of many heads of state and government and an elite group of CEOs of major international companies, inspiring figures, and decision-makers in the fields of finance, economics, investment, technology, energy, education, sports, and climate, in addition to more than 100 speakers from all over the world.Opening the first edition of the forum, His Highness the Amir pointed to the challenge presented by the coronavirus (Covid-19), and said, "Our meeting today comes while we are in the midst of a confrontation with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has posed a serious and unprecedented challenge to all humanity in all spheres, including the economic field, where endless discussions took place about the fallacious trade-off between people's health and economic health; and where a blurriness overshadowed the expectations of international institutions regarding the future prospects of the global economy, especially that the world has not yet moved to a post-pandemic phase in the shadow of the waves of renewed variants and mutations of the virus that underlined a state of uncertainty."The second edition of the forum was held in June, 2022, while the world was going through a critical juncture as a result of the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and fears of recession and food shortages.This edition was held under the slogan: 'Achieving equality in global economic recovery', with the participation of many heads of state and government, senior policymakers, parliamentarians, thinkers, economists, businessmen, media, and representatives of regional and international organisations.The previous editions of the forum have 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 QEF 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.