Doha Forum seeks global solutions ensuring sustainable, shared future

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani addresses the opening session of the Doha Forum at Sheraton Grand Doha, Qatar, Dec. 10. AFP-Yonhap

DOHA – World leaders, diplomats, policymakers and experts gathered in Doha, Qatar, seeking solutions to global crises such as the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the advent of the AI-driven era and the escalating competition between the United States and China.

The 21st edition of the Doha Forum, under the theme of "Building Shared Futures," brought together approximately 3,500 individuals from over 120 countries, and featured more than 270 speakers across various sessions from Dec. 10 to 11.

In the opening session, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani underscored the forum's role as a communication platform, open to fostering dialogue among people.

Strongly calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, Palestine, he asserted Qatar’s commitment to exerting pressure on Israel, aiming to secure a truce in the Gaza conflict.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his concerns, highlighting the imminent risk of a collapse in the humanitarian system due to Israel's actions in Gaza.

Diplomats, policymakers and experts discussed global solutions to address the Palestinian crisis during the forum.

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, redirected the focus to the most critical issues in Gaza from the predictions of the future of Gaza. He emphasized the necessity of discussing a permanent and comprehensive cease-fire, urging reflection on past failures and lessons learned to understand the present situation.

“Rather than talking about “the day after,” it is more important to focus on today and the past of Gaza,” he said.

Daniel Levy, the president of the U.S. Middle East Project (USMEP), a not-for-profit policy institute, expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza. He criticized the decision of the U.S. to veto a U.N. resolution on Dec. 8 which aimed at calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

“An increase in arms supply and the vetoes within the U.N. Security Council could potentially exacerbate Israel's actions,” he said, emphasizing the need for a more responsible approach.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, second from left, and other speakers discuss the conflict between Israel and Palestine during the Doha Forum, Dec. 10. AFP-Yonhap

Middle powers respond to U.S.–China competition

Delving into one of the great power rivalries of the century, the Doha Forum also sought potential strategies and responses from so-called middle-power states in the context of the U.S.–China competition.

Several speakers argued that middle-power states are reducing their reliance on the U.S., indicating a diminishing interdependency.

David Monyae, a professor at the Centre for China Africa Studies at the University of Johannesburg, pointed to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit as a significant recent event, suggesting a shift in global power away from the U.S. towards a stronger Global South.

However, for countries like Korea, which is geographically close to China but remains dependent on the U.S. for security, the situation is more nuanced.

Park Cheol-hee, chancellor of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, emphasized the importance of strategic reliance on the U.S. with flexibility towards China.

“In terms of security, the U.S. is unquestionably an ally to Korea, but we also have to embrace China in a more significant manner,” he said.

Mentioning South Korea's anticipation of China's backing in the denuclearization efforts concerning North Korea, Park highlighted the simultaneous necessity to foster a cordial relationship with China while maintaining a steadfast alliance with the U.S.

“In the case of South Korea, security considerations take precedence, underscoring the imperative for a resolute association with the U.S.,” he said.

Panelists talk during a session discussing "Securing Data in an AI-Driven Era" at the Doha Forum, Dec. 11. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun

Trust issues in AI era

As the rapid development of new technologies continues to provide unprecedented convenience, concerns about data security and the regulation of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are also on the rise.

The advent of generative AI has prompted companies worldwide to grapple simultaneously with the challenges of integrating this new technology.

During the forum, questions arose about how to navigate it, formulate effective strategies, capitalize on its benefits and identify potential vulnerabilities.

Experts and government officials at the forefront of the discussion tackled the challenges and strategies associated with ensuring privacy within AI systems. They explored a range of solutions, from technical safeguards to ethical considerations.

A significant focus of the discussions centered on the escalating worries regarding protecting data privacy while the use of AI increases. The growing dependence on AI heightens the risk of misuse of personal or classified information, particularly in the absence of legal frameworks or specific guidelines.

Muznah Siddiqui, a global governance research and planning associate from the United Nations University Center for Policy Research, stressed the urgent need for collaboration across industries, as well as the private and public sectors.

Highlighting the lessons drawn from the COVID-19 situation, she emphasized the crucial need for transparent and trustworthy data sharing between various sectors. She cited specific countries that faced criticism amid concerns about government use of personal information for COVID-19 tracking.

“Trust issues related to AI could be achieved if the public sector or companies utilizing data adopt transparent practices, openly showcasing the processes involved in collecting and utilizing data,” she said.

Other experts echoed concerns about the current inadequacy of systems for data sharing, highlighting the importance of implementing regulations to address the challenges of data privacy in the AI-driven era.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres states that the world should address the climate catastrophe, during a speech at the Doha Forum, Dec. 10. AFP-Yonhap

Governing our climate future

With the world’s temperature predicted to rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, experts reviewed key takeaways from the recent 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) aimed at sustainable green growth and climate sustainability.

The U.N. secretary-general called for increased ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, citing the affordability and cleanliness of renewable energy.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former president of the U.N. General Assembly, voiced frustration at the continued growth of emissions despite international meetings like COP to address climate issues, urging for a shift to emergency mode.

“Proper implementation plans and actions should be implemented, especially for developing countries,” she said.

Climate experts urged fossil fuel companies to leverage their vast resources to spearhead the renewables revolution, highlighting the imperative for collective action in the face of a rapidly warming planet.