The 23rd Doha Forum began Saturday in the Qatari capital with world leaders, ministers, policymakers and international figures gathering under the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.”

This year’s focus centers on transforming global discussions into concrete solutions as conflicts, humanitarian crises, and development challenges intensify worldwide.

In his opening remarks, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stressed that justice and accountability must be the foundation of any lasting peace. He warned that the erosion of international law and the failure to uphold human rights have deepened global instability. Highlighting ongoing crises, he said the suffering of the Palestinian people and the widespread atrocities in Sudan demonstrate that justice is essential to preventing further regional disintegration.

More than 6,000 participants from approximately 150 countries are attending the two-day forum, marking one of the largest gatherings in the event’s history. High-profile attendees include Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, and leading global philanthropist Bill Gates.

In his address, Gates emphasized the power of human innovation and cooperation, expressing optimism that this generation could eliminate preventable childhood deaths, eradicate diseases such as polio, and significantly reduce the burden of malaria, HIV, and other life-threatening illnesses. He called on world leaders to intensify investment in health and development systems to achieve these goals.

The forum’s agenda spans a wide range of issues, including geopolitical tensions, diplomacy, humanitarian relief, global health financing, and the widening inequality between the Global North and South. Discussions are centered on the need for actionable policies rather than rhetorical commitments, with participants urging international institutions to take more decisive steps toward protecting human rights and reducing global disparities.

As conflicts continue in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond, the Doha Forum aims to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and measurable progress, pushing the international community to convert its pledges into real-world impact. (ILKHA)