Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Doha Forum 2025 calls on global leaders to deliver ‘Justice in Action’
The opening ceremony for the 2024 Doha Forum is held in Doha, Qatar, Dec. 7, 2024. Courtesy of organizer
By Baek Byung-yeul
Korea Times participates in forum as media partner
The international community is facing the urgent need to implement concrete steps to ensure fairness, accountability and opportunity for everyone, moving beyond mere commitments.
To discuss the critical challenges, policymakers and decision-makers from around the world will gather for the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum, a leading global platform for diplomacy and dialogue, in Qatar on Dec. 6 and 7.
The organizer unveiled the theme of the forum earlier this year: “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.”
Mubarak Ajlan Al-Kuwari, executive director of the Doha Forum, highlighted the forum’s renewed focus on creating real-world impact through its theme.
"With ‘Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress,’ we reaffirm our mission to foster meaningful dialogue and drive transformative change," the executive director said in a January press release.
Maha Al-Kuwari, general manager of the forum, also stressed the event’s commitment to achieving its vision through broad consultation.
"We look forward to advancing this vision by fostering impactful conversations and generating actionable recommendations under the pillars of diplomacy, dialogue and diversity," she said.
The 2025 agenda will tackle major global problems, such as deep economic gaps, government failures and growing security risks. The forum will aid in finding solutions by making institutions stronger, creating better policies and building global partnerships for social and economic fairness.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, prime minister of Qatar, speaks during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Doha Forum in Doha, Qatar, Dec. 7, 2024. Courtesy of organizer
The Doha Forum, led by Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, will host numerous high-profile global figures, ensuring discussions turn the call for "Justice in Action" into tangible policy and diplomatic outcomes.
Key speakers include Kaja Kallas, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice president of the European Commission, and Prince Zeid bin Ra’ad bin Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan, the former U.N. high commissioner for human rights.
From Korea, Yun Byung-se, former minister of foreign affairs and a columnist for The Korea Times, is also set to attend, bringing his extensive diplomatic experience to the discussions on geopolitical justice and East Asia’s role.
Two decades of global impact
Established in 2000, the Doha Forum has grown into a crucial annual gathering dedicated to opening dialogue on pressing global issues. Over the years, the forum has become a unique space where non-Western and Western perspectives converge to find common ground.
The forum’s significance continues to grow, evidenced by the scale of its latest edition. The 2024 forum invited 5,204 participants, including 246 speakers from 162 countries, underscoring its broad international reach and influence in shaping policy discourse.
The 2025 event holds particular significance for Korea as an opportunity to deepen its strategic partnership with Qatar beyond the traditional economic and energy sectors.
During this year’s forum, discussions are expected to center on leveraging Korea’s experience in fostering inclusive governance and bridging global disparities through its advanced technology and robust development models.
A major focus will be on the recently formalized partnership between the Doha Forum and Korea’s Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity. The two platforms signed a memorandum of understanding in May, designating the Jeju Forum as a strategic content partner. This historic agreement paves the way for joint sessions at the December forum, specifically aimed at integrating perspectives from Asia and the Middle East to discuss regional stability and global justice.
The Korea Times is participating as an official media partner for the 2025 Doha Forum and is committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the events and the key outcomes achieved.