HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurated the 23rd Doha Forum 2025 at the Sheraton Doha Hotel, held under the theme ‘Establishing Justice: From Promises to Reality.’

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of heads of states and governments, as well as leaders of regional and international organisations. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, ministers, diplomatic mission heads, and other guests were also present.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Tamim presented the Doha Forum Award to Alex Thier and Saad Mohseni, recognising their contributions to supporting children’s education in Palestine and Afghanistan, in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation.

Qatar’s Prime Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed later participated in the forum’s first panel, titled ‘Mediation in a Time of Fragmentation.’

He explained that Qatar’s role as an international mediator stems from its geopolitical reality as a small nation whose security ‘stands on the stability of the region.’ Because Qatar cannot rely on military strength, he said, it has built its global footprint through diplomacy and investment, striving to resolve conflicts through mediation.

He addressed the criticism Qatar has received for hosting groups such as Hamas and the Taliban during mediation efforts. He stressed that Qatar’s engagement was not about taking sides, but maintaining channels essential for dialogue.

Citing peace talks between the US and Afghanistan that culminated in the 2020 Doha Accord, as well as multiple ceasefire agreements brokered between Israel and Hamas, he said such outcomes would not have been possible without open communication.

“Our role is to provide a platform for parties to talk,” he said. “It doesn’t mean we’re taking one side or the other. The aim is to ensure the dialogue ends with a positive outcome that reduces conflict and humanitarian suffering.”

He added that recent US engagement has supported progress in Gaza mediation, including the latest ceasefire arrangement, though he cautioned that a lasting ceasefire remains incomplete. For one to hold, he said, there must be full withdrawal, restored stability in Gaza, and the ability of people to move freely - all conditions that are not yet met.

He also noted that mediators are working to “force the way forward” to the second phase of the ceasefire. According to authorities in Gaza, Israeli forces have violated the ceasefire more than 590 times since it took effect in October, killing at least 366 Palestinians and injuring nearly 1,000.

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