Doha Forum discusses peace efforts

Speakers at the 2018 Doha Forum have made a case for the strengthening of efforts to building a peaceful co-existence by promoting free speech, dialogue and forging alliances among nations.

At the two-day meeting on the theme: Shaping Policy in an interconnected world,the speakers were of the view that the world would be a better place for its people if leaders embraced dialogue to build bridges, resolve challenges and crisis in the interest of all.

"Regional Alliances for example, are still essential since we share common concerns and interests", Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs told the meeting.

"These alliances need to be revisited not just by the big countries and superpowers but also by member states of the United Nations (UN) as well as the various regional blocks", he said.

The annual forum, the 18th in the series, and organised by the Qatars's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is focussing on four essential sub-themes - Security, Peace and Mediation, Economic Development, Trends and Transitions.

Madam Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the UN General Assembly expressed concern about the emerging crisis at various levels, both regional and international, which she said was fuelling the challenges in the global political climate.

"Security is at the heart of the UN system", she said, “however the international community has failed to abide by the governing principles of the world body", she added, and called for the commitment of member states to make the rules work.

"We cannot achieve much if we put aside the peace and mediation efforts needed to address the pressing issues affecting the global community, according to Madam Espinosa.

"There should also be a resolve to build a world that will ensure a peaceful co-existence, sustainable development and the equitable distribution of it resources.”

Madam Espinosa said since women were naturally peacemakers, they should be included in mediation and peace building efforts to reach intended goals at all levels and commended the organising team for considering the interest of the youth in this year's agenda by holding a youth forum ahead of the main event.

Other speakers were from the academia, world business community, policy makers and advocates to discuss the perspectives and the worldview on matters to the 2018 theme.