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.
INTERVIEW Korea's success is blueprint for 'Justice in Action' at Doha Forum
Global leaders and policymakers gather for a session at the Doha Forum 2024, in Doha, Qatar, last December. Courtesy of organizer
By Baek Byung-yeul
Korea's development story provides a compelling example of inclusive governance and public trust, making it key to achieving "Justice in Action," the central theme of the upcoming Doha Forum, according to Mubarak Ajlan Al-Kuwari, executive director of the forum.
"Korea’s experience shows that progress and justice can advance together," the executive director told The Korea Times in a recent written interview, underscoring the country's rapid transformation into a leading innovation-driven economy built on strong institutions, social investment and public trust.
"At Doha Forum, we see Korea’s development story as a compelling example of how inclusive governance can create opportunity and stability. Korea’s leadership in digital governance, civic participation and education highlights how growth becomes most sustainable when it is grounded in fairness and accountability,” Al-Kuwari said.
Mubarak Ajlan Al-Kuwari, executive director of Doha Forum / Courtesy of organizer
The Doha Forum is a leading global platform for diplomacy and dialogue. The 23rd edition will gather policymakers and decision-makers in Qatar on Saturday and Sunday to discuss critical global challenges, including deep economic gaps, government failures and growing security risks. The 2025 event is guided by the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.”
From inclusive dialogue to real-world impact
Al-Kuwari stressed that the forum’s theme is a direct call to translate discussions on fairness and equity into meaningful outcomes. He emphasized that Korea's journey provides highly relevant insights as the forum explores how countries can modernize while ensuring "people and equity are at the center of progress."
He detailed the forum's commitment to driving tangible results, saying the goal is to promote diplomacy and dialogue that continue long after the forum concludes. The executive director elaborated that this focus will inspire global leaders to commit to practical changes.
“For policymakers, this could involve strengthening transparency, accountability and inclusive governance. For the private sector, investment strategies that broaden opportunity and support equitable growth,” Al-Kuwari said. “And for international organizations, embedding diverse regional perspectives into global frameworks to ensure more representative and effective systems.”
Regarding geopolitical conflicts, Al-Kuwari noted that geopolitical justice begins with inclusion, facilitated by the forum's neutral platform, where dialogue can take place even among those with opposing views.
A critical component of this is the forum's closed-door, track-2 conversations. These confidential sessions allow policymakers, experts and practitioners to "speak openly, test ideas and compare assessments without political pressure" on live crises, such as the post-ceasefire landscape in Gaza or the situations in Sudan and Yemen, giving stakeholders a space to coordinate realistic next steps that support formal diplomatic processes.
The forum also convenes technical and skills-based sessions, including an artificial intelligence (AI) and mediation session, which examines how this emerging technology can enhance early warning systems, support de-escalation and improve real-time conflict analysis.
An attendee captures a moment during a session at the Doha Forum 2024, held in Doha, Qatar, last December. Courtesy of organizer
Addressing Asia's justice gap
The executive director detailed how the Doha Forum will tackle significant economic and social disparities within Asia, a region facing unequal access to education and technology, alongside widening climate and income gaps.
"At Doha Forum 2025, these issues will take center stage in the session 'Asia’s Role in a Changing Global Order: Civilizational Wisdom and Contemporary Challenges,'" Al-Kuwari said. This discussion will explore how Asian nations can leverage shared history, economic interdependence and innovation ecosystems to build fairer and more inclusive models of growth. He pointed out that Asia continues to face deep disparities that need to be addressed at the policy level.
He reiterated Korea’s pivotal role in this regional conversation.
"Its experience shows how investment in human capital and digital infrastructure can drive inclusive prosperity. By sharing its experience, Korea can help shape a more balanced and equitable future for the region,” Al-Kuwari said.
Qatar, Korea to strengthen partnership
The deepening cooperation between the Doha Forum and Korea is underscored by a recent partnership with the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, formalized through a memorandum of understanding in May.
This strategic partnership aims to strengthen collaboration and expand the exchange of ideas between Asia and the Middle East. At the December forum, the Jeju Peace Institute will serve as a content partner for the session “AI as a Double-Edged Sword: Strategies for Responsible Use in the Military Domain.”
“This collaboration brings together Jeju’s expertise in East Asian peace and security with Doha Forum’s network of global policymakers. It reflects our shared belief that technology must be guided by ethics, and that responsible innovation is essential to building a more secure and just world,” Al-Kuwari said.
Technological collaboration between Qatar and Korea is seen as highly dynamic. Al-Kuwari noted that both countries share a commitment to ensuring that innovation serves people first, advancing development, opportunity and inclusion across society.
“Korea’s leadership in digital infrastructure, AI and smart-city development aligns closely with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, particularly its ambition to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy. These shared priorities create a natural foundation for deeper collaboration in emerging technologies,” the executive director said.
Beyond policy and technology, Al-Kuwari also highlighted the strong and growing influence of Korean culture in Qatar. He noted that younger Qatari audiences are increasingly drawn to its creativity and storytelling, which naturally fosters mutual understanding and familiarity between the two nations.
"Cultural exchange like this builds familiarity and understanding long before formal diplomacy takes place," he said. “The session ‘The Need for Cultural Diplomacy in a Polarizing Political Climate’ will explore how culture can bridge divides and foster cooperation.”
He added that Qatar’s investment in cultural institutions, including Qatar Museums and the Doha Film Institute, reflects a belief that culture is an essential form of dialogue.
“Qatari art, film and design offer a unique blend of heritage and modernity that can resonate deeply with Korean audiences. Cultural exchange remains one of the most powerful ways to connect people and strengthen mutual respect,” Al-Kuwari said.