CNN’s Global Perspectives forum opens in Doha today
CNN’s flagship events series Global Perspectives will take place in Doha today, convening dignitaries, political and business leaders, and visionaries for important conversations on geopolitics, technology, media, and culture. Global Perspectives: In Doha marks the first time that CNN will hold its flagship events series in the Middle East and Gulf region. The event will take place at the Rosewood Doha, with Media City Qatar as Host Partner, building on an established relationship following CNN’s decision to launch a new operation in Qatar last year as part of the network’s broader global and regional content strategy. The new date for Global Perspectives: In Doha was agreed following a meeting between CNN Worldwide Chairman & CEO Sir Mark Thompson and HE Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar. CNN journalists including Christiane Amanpour, Richard Quest, Becky Anderson, and Eleni Giokos will lead conversations with leaders from the region and beyond, examining how regions such as the Gulf are shaping the world’s next chapter of economic power, technological innovation, and cultural influence. Editorial content and news-making interviews from the event will run across CNN platforms. Following the success of the inaugural Global Perspectives: On Africa summit and an impactful program at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Global Perspectives series continues to travel the world to explore the big ideas, bold leadership, and dynamic economies at the frontlines of global transformation. CNN will host two full editions of its flagship event series this fall with Global Perspectives: In Doha as well as Global Perspectives: In Bangkok. Global Perspectives: In Doha had been originally scheduled for 20 April but was postponed due to events in the region. Global Perspectives: In Doha marks another milestone in the growing collaboration between CNN and Media City Qatar. Since establishing its operation in Doha in 2025, CNN has expanded its presence through initiatives including CNN Creators, ongoing talent development initiatives, and now the region’s first edition of Global Perspectives. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani is expected to attend the event as a distinguished guest, organisers revealed at a press conference held earlier to announce the event. Ellana Lee, Group Senior Vice-President, GM APAC, and Global head of Productions at CNN, said the forum comes at a critical time for international relations. Lee said, “When the world can feel increasingly divided, we believe there’s real value in bringing different people and their unique perspectives together. ‘Global Perspectives’ is a place where the ideas that are shaping our world can be voiced and shared. It’s a meeting place where CNN’s award-winning journalism can partner with thought leaders to create meaningful dialogue.” She added: “This is CNN’s first Global Perspectives event here in the Middle East, and it could hardly come at a better time. There’s no better place to host it than here in Qatar, in the heart of the region.” The speaker line-up includes Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Other speakers joining the forum include Dr Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt; Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat; and Lei Zhang, founder and chairman of Envision.