Qatar’s Prime Minister Opens Global Security Forum 2025

rki.news

• H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Called for Inclusive Conflict Resolution and Stronger Multilateral Action
• Top Cybersecurity Leaders Discuss Collective Defense Against Information Warfare
• Senior Delegations from UAE and Bahrain Attend GSF for the First Time
• Qatar Reinforces Role as Global Hub for Strategic Security Dialogue

Doha, Qatar 28 April 2025:

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, today inaugurated the Global Security Forum 2025 – the seventh in the annual series – taking place at Katara Hall, Raffles and Fairmont Doha, until Wednesday, 30 April 2025.

In his opening address, H.E. the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the growing influence of non-state actors on global security, urging a renewed commitment to multilateralism, conflict mediation, and inclusive peacebuilding.

“The State of Qatar has always been committed to the principle of dialogue as a fundamental means of resolving conflicts and building peace. We believe that constructive engagement with humanitarian organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academic circles constitutes an integral part of any serious effort to achieve sustainable stability,” H.E. said.

This year’s Forum, held under the theme “The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security,” is organized by the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS) and The Soufan Center. The gathering convenes senior officials, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders from over 40 countries, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a global hub for strategic dialogue.

Delivering high-level remarks following the Prime Minister’s address, Mr. Pierre Krähenbühl, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross, emphasized the urgent need to adapt humanitarian principles to an increasingly complex conflict environment, where traditional mediation efforts face unprecedented challenges.

Mr. Krähenbühl added, “The leadership shown by the State of Qatar in promoting mediation and dialogue deserves the highest recognition. Qatar’s commitment to humanitarian principles and diplomatic engagement stands as a vital contribution to resolving today’s most delicate challenges.”

A high-level panel discussion, “Conflict Resolution and Mediation in an Age of Non-State Actors and Fragmented Power,” featured insights from Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Distinguished Chair at RAND Corporation and former U.S. Ambassador to six countries. He warned: “We are moving from a world of U.S.-led leadership to a fragmented balance of power, with no clear replacement—and history teaches us that a world without stable leadership risks repeating its gravest mistakes.”

The panel, moderated by Steve Clemons, Editor-at-Large of The National Interest, also included Ms. Fawzia Koofi, former Deputy Speaker of the Afghan Parliament; H.E. Pekka Haavisto, former Foreign Minister of Finland; and Dr. Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi of Qatar’s Center for International Policy Research.

Ms. Koofi expanded on the shifting geopolitical landscape, stating, “The new global order is being shaped not just by traditional powers, but by emerging actors; and today, many look to the Gulf and the Middle East not just for peacebuilding, but for leadership and opportunity.”

During his address, H.E. Dr. Tito Karnavian, Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, commended the spirit of international collaboration reflected at the Forum, remarking, “This Forum is a great example of meaningful cooperation, where the Government of Qatar, QIASS, and The Soufan Center have demonstrated how real collaboration can build global networks for security and peace.”

As part of an insightful panel discussion on “Navigating Crisis: The Role of Humanitarian Organizations in Conflict Zones,” Ms. Joëlle Germanier, Director, Centre of Competence on Frontline Negotiations, underscored the role of state support in maintaining humanitarian access, stating, “We need the support of states like Qatar. As H.E. the Prime Minister reminded us of this morning, the importance of dialogue is key to maintaining humanitarian space.”

As part of the Forum’s agenda, a panel titled “The Rising Influence of Non-State Actors: Economic and Political Impacts Across Borders” convened global experts to explore the expanding reach of non-state actors, including transnational crime organizations. The discussion examined how these groups are reshaping power structures, challenging traditional state authority, and operating across jurisdictions with growing sophistication.

Further high-level sessions explored the future of global security in a world shaped by competing state and non-state influences. Notable fireside chats included discussions with Mr. Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, and Mr. Brian Jenkins of RAND Corporation alongside NYPD Deputy Commissioner Ms. Rebecca Weiner, tackling emerging threats in intelligence, cybersecurity, and governance.

H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Ali Muhammad Al Farahid Al Malki, President of the National Cyber Security Agency, State of Qatar, offered critical perspectives on cybersecurity resilience and collective defense strategies, during the panel “Shadow Forces: The Growing Threat of Non-State Actors in Cybersecurity and Information Warfare.” H.E. was joined by Ms. Anjana Rajan, former Assistant National Cyber Director of The United States White House, and Dr. Marc Owen Jones, Associate Professor of Media Analytics at Northwestern University in Qatar.

Today’s discussions concluded with the first of several side events, including a documentary screening on civilian resilience in Lebanon and an AI-driven cyber crisis tabletop exercise hosted by QIASS.

This year’s Forum also welcomed high-level intelligence and security delegations from across the world, including strong participation from the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, both attending GSF for the first time, alongside delegations from Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Kenya, Türkiye, Romania, Syria, Pakistan, and Palestine.

The Global Security Forum 2025 continues tomorrow, exploring further into non-state actors’ ever-evolving roles, mediation challenges, and effective security governance solutions in an increasingly fragmented world.