Doha Forum 2025 was an international conference held from 6–7 December 2025 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel & Resort in Doha, the capital of Türkiye. The event marked the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum and was conducted under the patronage of Emir of Türkiye Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The 2025 session was themed “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress” and featured discussions on justice, law, diplomacy, and global governance. The event brought together over 6,000 participants from more than 160 countries and 471 speakers.
Scope of the Forum
The theme of Doha Forum 2025, “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress”, focused on reducing global injustices, rethinking international cooperation mechanisms, and taking concrete steps toward achieving sustainable development goals.
The official statement of the forum noted that the gap between the global North and South has deepened, with crises in health, education, and security exacerbating this inequality. The official text stated: “The divide between the global North and South has become increasingly pronounced. Addressing these inequalities and ensuring broad access to resources, knowledge, and technology has never been more critical.”
The forum’s thematic focus areas were defined as: implementation of justice, strengthening international law, reforming multilateral systems, enhancing humanitarian aid, ensuring environmental justice, and promoting equitable use of digital technologies.
The 2025 session involved participation from heads of state, government representatives, United Nations officials, European Union delegates, business leaders, and civil society organizations.
Opening Session
Opening Address by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
In his opening address, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani made statements on global justice, international law, and conflict resolution. Al Thani emphasized during his speech that the current international system has drifted away from the foundation of justice and that justice has become “invisible on the roadmap of international law.”
Al Thani highlighted that Qatar’s mediation efforts have contributed to lasting peace processes. He stated that the cornerstone of Qatar’s foreign policy is “resolving disputes through mediation and dialogue.” Al Thani asserted that “justice is not merely an ideal but a responsibility that must be implemented,” underscoring the need to translate justice into action.
The Qatari Prime Minister also assessed the ceasefire process in Gaza, stating: “The ceasefire process in Gaza has reached a critical juncture and cannot be considered complete until Israel withdraws from the region and stability is achieved.”
Referring to the forum’s main theme, Al Thani noted that “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress” represents a period demanding not just words but concrete action. He called for the redefinition of justice and international cooperation and urged the construction of a more inclusive and equitable global order.
Statement by Doha Forum Executive Director Mubarak Ajlan Al Kuwari
Doha Forum Executive Director Mubarak Ajlan Al Kuwari, in his opening remarks, articulated the forum’s vision as follows: “Our goal is to foster collaborative solutions that transform justice into a tangible reality worldwide.”
Al Kuwari noted that global crises are increasingly interconnected and that inequalities in health, education, and conflict threaten global stability. He stated that the forum aims to develop action-oriented policy recommendations on issues of justice, human rights, and equitable access to resources.
Panels and Sessions
“Mediation in an Age of Fragmentation” Session
During the first day of the forum, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan delivered a speech at the session titled “Mediation in an Age of Fragmentation.” In his remarks, Fidan assessed Turkey’s role in regional crises, referencing diplomatic efforts in Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza. He stated: “At this moment, Turkey’s interests align with those of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding mediation and peacebuilding initiatives,” defining Turkey’s position in these processes.
In response to a question about whether Turkey would send troops to Gaza, Fidan replied: “Turkey is ready to do its part and is prepared to contribute to ongoing peace efforts.” He emphasized that Turkey’s priority is to support peace processes in the region.
Regarding the proposed International Stability Force (ISF) in Gaza, Fidan said: “How will it be implemented? What exactly will its mission be? Under what rules will it operate? These issues are still being thoroughly evaluated. We must be realistic about the ISF’s mission and pay attention to nuances when setting expectations, as there are concrete realities on the ground.”
He further stated: “In my view, the first objective should be to use the deployment of the International Stability Force to separate Palestinians and Israelis along their border.” He underscored the necessity of establishing local security structures, forming a peacekeeping force, and setting up local governance for the force to be effective.
On the Syrian crisis, Fidan recalled: “When the crisis in Syria began, we adopted this policy. As a result, many Syrian refugees fled the war and came to our borders. This policy came at a domestic political cost, but ultimately served humanitarian objectives.” He added: “By mediating in the problems affecting our region, we have alleviated human suffering, particularly during the refugee crisis.”
In his assessment of the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan said: “In the absence of the United States, Europe needs more creative, resilient, and durable solutions. In my view, the only realistic way to end this war is to guide the parties toward peace negotiations with conviction and, when necessary, pressure.” He noted that “Europe has many reasons not to trust Russia, and Russia has many reasons not to trust anyone” under current war conditions.
“One Year of New Syria: Assessing Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges” Panel
At this panel, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivered remarks on his country’s new governance and regional peace process. He stated: “Israel must comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement,” expressing his country’s position.
Sharaa said: “Our aim is to convince powerful regional and international actors to support Syria’s demands.” He also clarified that Syria will hold elections after a five-year transitional period, with leadership determined by the people: “The Syrian system is based on elections. The people choosing their leaders is a fundamental principle.”
Regarding Israel’s violations of Syrian airspace, Sharaa said: “Israel typically exports its crises to other countries.” He noted that his administration has sent “positive messages” for regional stability, while Syria has been subjected to intense aerial attacks.
“Iran in the Regional Security Environment” Panel
At the panel, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Khaled Mohammed Al-Budeywi spoke. He stated: “No country in the GCC wishes for Iran’s collapse.” He emphasized the Gulf states’ desire to develop constructive relations with Iran.
Al-Budeywi underscored that relations with Iran are based on principles of respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, cessation of support for destabilizing militias and armed groups, adherence to good neighborly relations, and resolving disputes through dialogue.
Al-Budeywi highlighted the GCC’s active role in preventive diplomacy, noting that mediation and dialogue efforts with Iran have contributed to regional peace. He also praised Oman’s “facilitation initiatives” in U.S.-Iran talks, which have received broad international acclaim.
Al-Budeywi affirmed that GCC countries believe they can overcome regional challenges through mutual trust-building steps and constructive dialogue, emphasizing that this is vital for both regional and global security.
“Innovation in the Global South” Panel
At the Doha Forum session titled “Innovation in the Global South,” Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Museums, and Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Foundation, participated.
In his remarks, Bill Gates assessed Africa’s health and education infrastructure. He stated: “Most children born this century will be born in Africa. If their health is not protected and their education systems are inadequate, they will never reach their potential. This would be a terrible outcome for the entire world.”
On agriculture and food security, Gates said: “If we empower farmers with new technologies like artificial intelligence to innovate, we can overcome these challenges and transform agriculture into a foundational area of economic growth.”
The panel noted that Africa faces challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and rapid population growth, and emphasized that technological innovation will play a decisive role in overcoming them.
“Freedom of the Press and Violence Against Journalists in Gaza” Session
At this session, Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, spoke. Khan condemned targeting journalists, stating: “Killing a journalist is the most brutal form of censorship—and unfortunately, that is exactly what is happening now.”
Khan addressed the situation in Gaza, saying: “Those who do not wish to expose the brutality in Gaza, such as the Israeli Defense Forces, have attacked journalists indiscriminately.” She also noted that violence against journalists will continue to escalate as long as it remains unpunished.
“Conflicts in Sudan and Regional Security” Session
On the first day of the Doha Forum, a special session was held on Sudan’s civil war and its regional implications. Cameron Hudson, former Director for Africa at the U.S. National Security Council and a Sudan analyst, made assessments. Hudson drew attention to the fact that “Kordofan is now the target,” indicating that the conflict has shifted toward central regions.
Hudson stated: “Every territorial gain by the Rapid Support Forces against the army has been accompanied by massive civilian displacement and human rights violations.” He also noted that the United States has “recently recognized Sudan’s strategic importance” and warned that the country risks becoming a failed state akin to Libya.
Bilateral Meetings and Diplomatic Engagement
Bilateral Meetings of Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan
During the Doha Forum, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan held several bilateral meetings. Fidan was received by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud. The meeting addressed Turkey-Somali relations and regional issues. According to a statement from the Somali Presidency, Mahmud and Fidan evaluated ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
During his engagements in Doha, Fidan also made statements on U.S. sanctions (CAATSA), Syria policy, and the Gaza ceasefire process. In an interview with Reuters, he said: “I believe we will find a way to remove this obstacle soon,” indicating Turkey’s diplomatic efforts to lift U.S. sanctions.
On the sidelines of the forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nuh Yılmaz met with officials from Spain and the Netherlands. Discussions covered diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Meetings of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the forum. The Emir received Sharaa in Doha, and bilateral relations and regional issues were discussed. The meeting addressed regional stability and peace, with Syria’s reconstruction process on the agenda.
Emir of Qatar’s Meetings with Leaders
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a series of bilateral meetings on the first day of the forum. According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Emir Al Thani met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Ghanaian President John Mahama, and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
The meetings covered bilateral cooperation and regional developments. The Lebanese Prime Minister’s Office reported that Al Thani announced a new support package for Lebanon.
Relations Between Turkey and Qatar
During the forum, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The meeting addressed the continuation of the Gaza ceasefire, regional stability, and humanitarian aid efforts. The two ministers held their discussion during breaks in the forum sessions.
International Participation and Discussions
Hillary Clinton’s Speech
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton participated as a speaker in a session at the 23rd Doha Forum held in Doha, the capital of Türkiye. Clinton assessed that Ukraine is being pressured into an armistice that would leave it vulnerable to future Russian attacks.
Clinton responded to questions about how former U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term might affect countries worldwide, stating that “the foundational values of America are being abandoned” and expressing deep concern over this trend. She advocated for the United States to assume a more resolute role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Clinton said: “Putin’s aggression must not be rewarded,” and emphasized that solutions lacking lasting security will not bring peace to Ukraine. She noted efforts to force Ukrainians to accept negotiated ceasefires and peace agreements that would leave them exposed and defenseless against future Russian actions.
Pointing out Russia’s presence in Ukraine since 2014, Clinton stressed the need to evaluate long-term consequences. She expressed support for the 20-point peace plan targeting a Gaza ceasefire, stating that for it to be durable, “intensive diplomacy and negotiation” are required.
Clinton also addressed relations with China, arguing that Beijing’s military buildup constitutes a “threat” to the United States and its allies. Expressing anger over human rights violations globally, she insisted that attention must be paid to all these “great tragedies”—primarily the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine—rather than focusing on a single crisis.
Clinton noted that insufficient lessons have been drawn from the past during Trump’s tenure, stating: “You cannot come into office and say everything done since the founding of the country has been wrong and that you will do everything completely differently. Instead, you should say: ‘I have a different style and some different ideas; I will learn from the past, apply what works, and build on it.’”
Clinton argued that limiting the role of diplomats and foreign policy professionals leaves the administration ill-equipped to handle the complexity of global issues. She contended that Trump’s national security strategy has caused unnecessary rifts with allies, damaging relationships essential to U.S. security. She also questioned the feasibility of Trump administration’s broad objectives for the Western Hemisphere, noting that the emphasis on “military power” lacks clear direction.
Clinton stressed that the international system must not drift away from norms and laws, labeling the United States’ failure to defend these rules as “a grave mistake.”
Donald Trump Jr.’s Speech
Donald Trump Jr., son of U.S. President Donald Trump, participated as a speaker in a session at the 23rd Doha Forum held in Doha, the capital of Türkiye. Trump Jr. stated that the American public does not prioritize the Ukraine issue and that the United States is no longer a “gullible fool with checkbook in hand” for Ukraine.
In his remarks, Trump Jr. noted that when his father was elected, there were claims he would start World War III, but instead, he has worked to end wars in many regions. Emphasizing that the U.S. priority should be domestic investment, Trump Jr. added that the United States will not abandon competition with China over “valuable minerals.”
Regarding peace talks in Gaza, Trump Jr. praised Qatar’s mediation role, saying the country “stands by its allies instead of self-promoting.” When asked whether the United States would participate in Gaza’s reconstruction, he replied: “Possibly. My father is the best construction advisor in world history, but no one in the U.S. wants us to take on this responsibility alone.”
On Ukraine, Trump Jr. said he has met with thousands of people and noted: “None of the hundreds of thousands I asked said Ukraine is one of our top three issues; only three said it was among our top ten.” He expressed a desire for peace in Ukraine and called on Europe to assume “greater responsibility” on this issue.
Trump Jr. also addressed corruption in Ukraine, stating: “The United States will not be a gullible fool with a checkbook as in the old days.” He further stated that operations against drug trafficking in the Caribbean are currently a higher priority for the United States.
Statements by Mohammad Javad Zarif
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that Iran is not seeking conflict with Israel. Zarif said: “Iran is not seeking any conflict with Israel.” He affirmed that Iran does not desire war but possesses the capacity to respond if attacked.
Zarif argued that the most recent conflict between Iran and Israel stemmed from “miscalculations,” asserting that Israel underestimated Iran’s resilience. He said: “The Israelis entered this aggression with wrong calculations and ultimately realized that the Iranian people’s resistance would prevent them from achieving their objectives. It was the Iranian people’s strong stance that ended the war.”
Zarif emphasized that in the event of a new attack, Iran will invoke its “right to legitimate defense,” and stated: “The best option for Tel Aviv is not to attack Iran again.”
Closing Session
Speech by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
At the closing session of the Doha Forum, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair of the Qatar Foundation, delivered a speech. Sheikha Moza stated that justice is not merely an abstract concept but a value that must be implemented. She emphasized that “establishing justice is a fundamental prerequisite for global peace and stability.”
Referring to the forum’s main theme, Sheikha Moza asserted that the principle of “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress” must be more than rhetoric—it must be a practical goal. She noted that the international system must no longer remain silent in the face of growing injustices, as this undermines efforts to resolve global crises.
Sheikha Moza stressed the necessity for international institutions and leaders to take concrete steps toward implementing justice and equality. She underscored the importance of addressing all issues discussed at the forum—the Gaza ceasefire, the civil war in Sudan, the crisis in Ukraine, and development in Africa—through the lens of justice.
