Doha Forum 2024 Champions Innovation as Key to Global Resilience

December 7, 2024 – Qatar –

At the 22nd Doha Forum held in December 2024, Qatar positioned innovation and technology as central to addressing the world’s most pressing crises—from climate change and global security to economic development and digital governance. Under the theme “Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity,” the event brought together world leaders, policy experts, and academics to focus on sustainable, inclusive solutions driven by modern innovation.

A highlight of this year’s forum was the launch of a major report titled The Innovation Imperative: Tech-Governance, Development & Security at a Crossroads, produced by the Stimson Center in collaboration with the Doha Forum and the Global Institute for Strategic Research. The report explored how emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, green tech, biotechnology, and digital tools—can be used to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reinforce global peace and resilience.

Panel discussions were organized around three key focus areas: development, security, and regional governance. In the “Tech-Governance for Development” session, speakers from the UNDP and Qatar University stressed the need for inclusive governance frameworks that ensure technology benefits all populations, especially marginalized communities. Another panel on “Tech-Governance for Security” addressed the risks posed by cyber threats, artificial intelligence in conflict zones, and resource-linked instability. Experts from the UN and Singapore’s defense establishment emphasized international cooperation to manage these risks.

A regional “MENA Policy Dialogue” session—hosted in partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University—explored innovation in local governance and announced the launch of a new Arab governance research network. Participants highlighted the need for culturally contextualized governance models that embrace both technological progress and civic engagement.

This year’s forum aligned closely with the global policy agenda, building on the momentum from the 2023 SDG Summit and 2024 Summit of the Future. With the 2025 World Social Summit on the horizon, Doha Forum 2024 emphasized the urgency of turning dialogue into action.

Ultimately, the forum underscored Qatar’s commitment to advancing diplomacy and sustainable governance through innovation. As global challenges grow more complex and interconnected, the Doha Forum sent a clear message: innovation is not just a tool, but a necessity for achieving global equity, peace, and sustainable development.

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Doha Forum 2024: Qatar underlines role of innovation in addressing global crises