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Doha Forum and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing peace, dialogue, and sustainable development through their renewed partnership with the 8th edition of the Paris Peace Forum, held under the theme "New Coalitions for Peace, People and the Planet." The Paris Peace Forum convened global leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to deliberate on collective responses to growing global fragmentation, mounting development challenges, and escalating geopolitical tensions. Within this framework, the Doha Forum and QFFD co-hosted a high-level session titled "New Coalitions for Peace and Development: How Can We Address the Funding Gap" The discussion highlighted the urgent need for innovative, inclusive, and sustainable financing mechanisms to support peacebuilding and development efforts, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. The session was moderated by Head of Regional Development Dynamics Division at the OECD Development Centre, Sebastian Nieto Parra, and featured the participation of Deputy Director General of the Planning Sector at Qatar Fund for Development Sheikha Haya Al Thani; Humanitarian Director and Deputy Director-General for Stabilization, Humanitarian Assistance and Peace Building at the Ministry of External Affairs, Germany Ina Heusgen ; Deputy Director of the Crisis Support Center at the French Ministry of External Affairs Fanny Demassieux; and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Yonsei University Chung-in Moon. With only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals currently on track, the discussion emphasized the urgent need for a broader and more adaptive financing ecosystem — one that engages non-traditional donors, leverages private capital, strengthens public-private collaboration, and channels philanthropic investment toward long-term stability and resilience. General Manager of the Doha Forum, Maha Al-Kuwari, highlighted the Forum's commitment to driving meaningful partnerships, stating: "With the world facing multiple, overlapping crises, we must move beyond pledges to tangible outcomes. Our collaboration with QFFD at the Paris Peace Forum reflects Doha Forum's belief that innovative partnerships — across governments, philanthropy, and the private sector — are key to advancing sustainable peace and development." Deputy Director General of the Planning Sector at Qatar Fund for Development, Sheikha Haya Al Thani, emphasized: "At Qatar Fund for Development, we believe that the complex challenges facing our world today cannot be addressed in isolation. They require collective action, bold partnerships, and innovative financing that bridge divides and drive meaningful impact. Our trilateral partnership between the Doha Forum and the Paris Peace Forum reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing constructive dialogue, strengthening international cooperation, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals." This year's engagement marks the third consecutive year of the strategic partnership between Doha Forum, QFFD, and the Paris Peace Forum. This ongoing collaboration reaffirms the State of Qatar's steadfast commitment to reinforcing effective multilateralism, grounded in inclusive dialogue and collective action to advance global peace, stability, and prosperity for all.

The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) participated virtually in the Beirut International Conference on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue for Sustainability (BICIDS 2025). The Center's participation came at the invitation of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of dialogue and strengthening the State of Qatar's role in supporting efforts aimed at establishing a culture of peace and fostering intellectual and spiritual security awareness.In his keynote speech, His Excellency Chairman of DICID's Board of Directors Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in peacebuilding and sustainability. He highlighted its pivotal role in breaking down psychological barriers that restrict the will and choices of others, and in establishing solid foundations of communication and dialogue that build bridges of trust.His Excellency also underlined the major role and responsibility of religious leaders and institutions, as they are the key actors in promoting a culture of dialogue and encouraging coexistence—especially in multicultural and multi-faith societies.He noted that this can only be achieved through the activation of religious and moral values agreed upon by divine laws, in order to foster coexistence and good relations among people—built upon security, justice, and fairness—thereby laying the foundation for a deeper and more inclusive human culture based on accepting diversity, and believing in dialogue and cooperation among people.Regarding the importance of interfaith dialogue in peacebuilding, Dr. Al Naimi said that it is one of the most essential foundations for building peace, especially under the difficult and tragic circumstances the world has gone through and continues to face—most notably the conflicts and wars, the most prominent of which was the war in Gaza and its subsequent catastrophic humanitarian consequences.In another interactive discussion with the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at USEK and chair of the opening session, Fr. Farid El Moujabber, Dr. Al Naimi responded to questions about practical mechanisms to activate interfaith dialogue as a basis for peacebuilding and achieving sustainable development goals. He stressed the need to recognize religious diversity as a source of richness, not a threat, explaining that diversity enriches interfaith dialogue and deepens mutual understanding. In this context, he referred to a symposium the Center organized in Beirut in 2009 in cooperation with the Syriac Church on religious, ethnic, and sectarian diversity in the arab world.He noted that the most important mechanisms to activate interfaith dialogue is to focus on shared human values rather than differences, by emphasizing common values, as well as developing permanent frameworks for both individual and institutional interfaith dialogue so that it is not limited to temporary events. He also highlighted the importance of measuring the impact of interfaith dialogue activities to ensure continuity, improvement, and the development of forward-looking visions.Regarding the role of interfaith dialogue in achieving sustainability, Dr. Al Naimi explained that its importance is growing in the social and economic aspects that affect people's lives, including its contribution to environmental sustainability, noting that religion establishes principles that focus on protecting the environment and living beings, promoting moderation and the responsible use of resources, as well as upholding religious values that affirm the universe as a divine manifestation and gift that must be preserved and protected from anything that alters or corrupts its nature.His Excellency stressed that social sustainability and achieving cohesion and solidarity among communities and the enhancement of their growth and prosperity, as well as economic sustainability, through combating poverty, promoting justice, supporting education and health programs, and ensuring equity—are all goals endorsed and called for by all religions. Religion, he said, is perhaps the greatest spiritual and intellectual force that guides people toward commitment to these values.Dr. Al Naimi called for adherence to the shared religious and moral values among religions, especially in today's world, noting that common values such as justice, compassion, and peace provide an indispensable foundation for addressing the complex challenges of the modern world—challenges that go beyond political conflicts and wars, extending to poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation, among many others.In conclusion, His Excellency emphasized the DICID's constant commitment to active participation in Arab and international forums that reflect the State of Qatar's ongoing efforts to encourage dialogue and promote a culture of coexistence among cultures and religions. He stressed that such participation offers valuable opportunities to build bridges of cooperation among universities, DICID, religious leaders, heads of dialogue centers, experts, specialists, and researchers in interfaith dialogue across the world.

His Excellency Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi participated in the symposium "Building Bridges: Qatar and Germany in Dialogue for Tolerance, Peace, and Solidarity," held at the Arab Culture House (Divan) of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Federal Republic of Germany. The symposium was attended by Michael Müller, a member of the German Parliament and former Mayor of Berlin, and a group of intellectuals, professors, and those interested in the dialogue of civilizations from both Qatar and Germany. In a speech during the event, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations said that the State of Qatar regards dialogue among civilizations as an indispensable mechanism for building bridges of communication between societies and peoples, getting to know each other, promoting mutual respect, and achieving international stability and peace. His Excellency highlighted the importance of this symposium, which focuses on building bridges of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany, promoting the values of coexistence and human solidarity, and spreading a culture of peace and non-violence — especially since both countries contribute, through national and international humanitarian institutions, to supporting the efforts of the international community in the field of human development and in consolidating stability in countries emerging from conflicts and wars On the sidelines of the symposium, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Qatar Global Award for Dialogue Among Civilizations 2025-2026, under the title: The role of youth in achieving civilizational advancement and promoting human communication. It is in cooperation with the ICESCO Chair in Alliance of Civilizations at the Qatar University's College of Sharia and Islamic Studies.

Saudi Arabia expressed concern over the tensions and clashes taking place in the border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan.In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom, which would help reduce tensions and maintain the security and stability of the region.The ministry affirmed its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its continued commitment to ensuring security in order to achieve stability and prosperity for the Pakistani and Afghan people.

The ‘Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change’ (QNDCC 2025) brought together technical experts to tackle climate challenges and turn commitments into action through knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The event, co-hosted by The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development and Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, featured conversations that addressed an array of topics, from exploring pathways for a thriving blue economy, sustainable finance, to adaptation.Supported by QNB, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Media City Qatar, the event also covered wide-ranging engagements and discussions during this year’s edition. “It was a privilege to deliver the keynote address at QNDCC 2025 on behalf of the Al-Attiyah Foundation. This important event serves as a vital platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to exchange ideas and accelerate action on climate and energy transition.“Under the leadership of HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, the foundation remains steadfast in promoting dialogue and collaboration that support a more sustainable and resilient global future,” said Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, board member of the Al-Attiyah Foundation and former Minister of Energy and Industry.Justin Mundy, chair of Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate change as a scientific, not political, challenge. “Climate change is extremely important. This is not a political issue; this is a scientific issue, because physics, chemistry, and biology tell us that the planet is warming. We are not only doing this for future generations; we must do more for our present generation. The time to act is now,” he said.QNB, as a Strategic Partner of QNDCC 2025, reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Qatar's efforts in addressing environmental challenges and advancing the transition toward a more sustainable future. Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, director-general of QFFD, underscored the critical importance of collective action in addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change.He said, “Our partnership with Earthna, as the Sustainable Development Partner of QNDCC 2025, reflects QFFD’s steadfast commitment to fostering regional and multilateral co-operation and to advancing climate resilience through inclusive dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and best practices.“Climate change remains a pressing development challenge, and we remain committed to catalysing innovative solutions to build a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.”QFZ CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani said, “The Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change provides a vital platform to exchange insights and reinforce collaboration and expertise exchange toward a more sustainable future.“At QFZ, sustainability is a core pillar of our development strategy. We are embedding green technologies, resource-efficient facilities, and low-emission models across our zones and investment projects to ensure that investment and innovation go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.”Engineer Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: “Supporting the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change reflects Media City Qatar’s commitment to advancing dialogue on sustainability through the power of media and innovation.”He added: “Our new headquarters in Msheireb Downtown Doha, spanning 23,000sq m across four LEED Gold-certified buildings, embodies this vision, serving as a digital-first and energy-efficient space designed for creativity and connection.“At Media City Qatar, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of content creators, digital publishers, and innovators who can raise awareness and inspire collective action toward a more sustainable world.”

The 8th annual Doha Women Forum (DWF) concluded Saturday, September 27th, at the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel and Villas, drawing a record crowd of hundreds of attendees and over 35 thought-leaders for a day of transformative dialogue on leadership, gender equality, and collective action.The forum, themed “Voices of Change: Redefining Tomorrow Through Collective Action and Shared Values,” delivered on its promise to inspire and mobilize. It was powered by Strategic Partner Snoonu, a leading Qatari tech company that exemplifies its commitment to inclusion: over 50% of its workforce is comprised of women, a powerful testament to female leadership and digital sector inclusion.Emotional Highlights and Strategic VisionSessions spanning corporate leadership, digital transformation, personal wellness, and global mobility delivered an electric mix of emotional personal stories and bold strategic conversations, leaving participants energized to translate inspiration into impactful, women-led change.DWF Founder, Conchita Ponce, opened the day with a heartfelt call for unity, purpose, and shared values, underscoring the forum's role as a catalyst for meaningful, sustained change in the region. Hamad Al Hajri, Founder of Snoonu, then spoke on the critical role of women in shaping Qatar’s digital and entrepreneurial future, reaffirming his company’s commitment to innovation and inclusion.Their remarks were followed by an electrifying keynote from renowned broadcaster Folly Bah Thibault, which set an immediate tone of powerful storytelling and collective vision.The forum’s true emotional peak was the powerful address by Dr. Esraa El Bably, a UN spokesperson and deaf dentist. Her moving story of resilience, breaking barriers, and empowerment earned a spontaneous, standing ovation, providing a living example of the “Voices of Change” theme in action.Collaboration and Future ImpactBeyond the main stage, attendees engaged in purposeful networking, interactive activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions. A vibrant marketplace featured exhibits by dozens of women-led initiatives and local lifestyle brands, showcasing the breadth of female entrepreneurship in Qatar.The 8th edition successfully reaffirmed the DWF's position as a premier, influential platform for women’s empowerment in the region. The event also received crucial support from Aamal Holding and Spirit Events as Gold Partners, whose contributions helped strengthen the Forum’s impact and reach.The momentum will continue with the planning of the 9th edition, promising an even greater focus on translating dialogue into measurable leadership and lasting, tangible impact.For more updates, visit dohawomenforum.com or follow @dohawomenforum on Instagram.

Doha Forum, Qatar's flagship platform promoting diplomacy, dialogue, and diversity, co-hosted a high-level panel discussion titled "Peace and Development: A Shared Path to Stability" at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations (UN) in New York Saturday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. The event addressed the persistence of conflicts and wars around the world that continue to devastate communities, displace millions, and erode the foundations of development. They also discussed how fragile or uneven development often fuels instability and prolongs cycles of conflict. The message is clear: there is no peace without development, and no development without peace. The event convened global leaders and practitioners to explore the deep interdependence between peace, humanitarian response, and sustainable development. Discussions highlighted how mediation efforts, humanitarian interventions, and long-term investments in education, health, infrastructure, and climate resilience must work hand-in-hand to secure stability. Speakers examined how humanitarian action can be better linked to development planning in fragile states, the role of regional organizations in bridging peace and development, how mediation outcomes can translate into tangible improvements in people's lives, and how investments in education, healthcare, and climate resilience can reduce the risk of conflict. For her part, Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad emphasized Qatar's long-standing commitment to mediation, humanitarian response, and international development assistance worldwide. During the opening remarks, Her Excellency said, "There can be no sustainable development without peace, and no lasting peace without development. By linking humanitarian action with long-term development, we can prevent conflict and build lasting stability." For her part, General Manager of Doha Forum, Maha Al Kuwari said, "Doha Forum is proud to co-host this timely discussion during UNGA High-Level Week. Our strength lies in convening diverse voices to advance diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation. Recent events in our region highlight the urgent need to protect civilians and uphold sovereignty, while investing in a more stable and inclusive future. These conversations will continue at Doha Forum 2025, where we remain committed to fostering collective action on the world's most pressing challenges." By convening diverse international and regional voices, the event reinforced Qatar's role as a convener of dialogue and practical solutions for global crises. The outcomes will also inform the conversations at Doha Forum 2025, taking place on 6–7 December in Doha under the theme "Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress." Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, business executives, civil society representatives, and thought leaders to exchange ideas and drive solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. Guided by the values of integrity, inclusivity, and innovation, Doha Forum promotes open dialogue and diverse perspectives to foster mutual understanding and collective progress. The most recent edition of Doha Forum, held in December 2024 under the theme "The Innovation Imperative," welcomed over 5,000 participants from 162 countries, including more than 350 speakers across two days.

On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed the State of Qatar's leadership role in advancing global dialogue and strengthening international cooperation, with the aim of identifying practical solutions to pressing challenges and driving inclusive development. Through a series of high-level discussions, QFFD brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, fostering constructive dialogue that contributes to collective action towards a more prosperous, just, and inclusive future. Highlighting its commitment to gender equality, QFFD partnered with Foreign Policy, as part of Her Power Forum under its Women in Conflict Zones initiative. The session "Women in Conflict Zones: From Marginalization to Mobilization." The discussion brought together global leaders to explore actionable strategies for meaningfully integrating women into peacebuilding and development processes, emphasizing their vital role in driving resilience and sustainable recovery. QFFD, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, co-hosted a high-level panel titled 'Global Development in Evolution: What's Next for the Future of Health, Food, and Education'. The session explored how geopolitical shifts, climate pressures, and demographic changes are reshaping development models, highlighting the importance of open dialogue, innovative financing, and strong partnerships to unlock resources for communities most in need and to advance global development that is inclusive, responsive, and effective. In parallel, QFFD joined forces with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Gates Foundation to host a high-level roundtable "Delivering Health for All: Scaling Immunization through Universal Health Coverage and Innovative Financing." The discussion emphasized the role of immunization as a cornerstone of global health and examined how Universal Health Coverage, policy reforms, delivery innovations, and innovative financing can expand equitable access to healthcare and strengthen resilience Kholoud Al Mohannadi, Head of Communications and Global Advocacy, at QFFD, stated: "Dialogue is the driving force of progress. It unlocks practical and innovative solutions that not only tackle today's most urgent challenges but also lay the foundations for lasting resilience. Working closely with our partners, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future that is just, inclusive, and sustainable for all". In addition to these platforms, QFFD also engaged in dialogues addressing youth employment, digital inclusion, and the eradication of poverty and hunger, underscoring its recognition of the vital interlinkages between these critical sectors and the integrated approach required to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Through these efforts, QFFD continues to advance Qatar's international cooperation agenda, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for meaningful partnerships, inclusive dialogue, and collective progress.

Qatar, with its prudent leadership, believes in peace as the rational and moral option and in constructive dialogue as the path toward ensuring a more cooperative and safe future among peoples, Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) chairman Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi (pictured) has said.He was addressing the two-day International Conference on Peace Among Followers of Religions 2025, hosted by Malaysia’s Penang state government, under the theme of Cultural and Religious Pluralism: A Pathway to Peace and Harmony in a Turbulent World.Dr al-Naimi touched on the brazen Israeli aggression against Qatar, the nation that has been diligently energising efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region through mediation and dialogue.He stressed that Qatar would continue these efforts despite all challenges and hurdles.This conference is an essential gathering and represents the product of multi-institutional and multicultural partnerships, stemming from the consultations of the 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue 2024 and the Second International Conference on Peace Making 2025.Interfaith encounters, Dr al-Naimi said, are not limited to the exchange of knowledge, they spark transformations in thought and behaviour and build practical commitments to advance peace.He also spoke on the tragic situation that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing, stressing that brothers in Palestine have been entrapped in a years-long methodical siege, war, displacement, and starvation.Dr al-Naimi added that the DICID has launched an awareness campaign on deliberate starvation in Gaza to highlight this crime, with hopes remaining substantial with human voices around the globe that demand an end to this calamity.Peace is a joint moral and human responsibility, he stressed, and this conference should go far beyond merely a dialogue to be a springboard to real transformations, practical partnerships, and global efforts that build a future that underpins co-existence, tolerance, and harmony.Organised by the Coalition of Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations in Malaysia, in collaboration with the Penang state government, and in partnership and under the auspices of the DICID, the conference convenes more than 200 dignitaries, including high-ranking officials, religious leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from a host of countries around the world.Regarding the partnership forged with the DICID in organising this event, Dr al-Naimi highlighted that this collaboration, in terms of organisation and sponsorship, embodies the centre’s objectives and efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among followers of religions.He said that the centre has a substantial presence in numerous countries worldwide, including Western and Arab nations.Convening in Malaysia and other southeast Asian countries, Dr al-Naimi stated, is a natural extension of Qatar’s efforts in the field of dialogue and peace-building, which broadens horizons to handle novel challenges.He noted that Malaysia’s experience in unity and peace is a perfect opportunity, as it is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, making it a fertile ground for the experience of interfaith dialogue.