The recently concluded youth edition of the Doha Forum 2025, held under the compelling theme of “The Concept of Justice and its Transformations in Light of Global Variables,” has resonated as a pivotal moment for international dialogue. Bringing together over 150 young leaders from more than 100 countries, the forum provided a dynamic platform to dissect critical global issues, offering fresh perspectives on justice, geopolitical shifts, development, and innovation. This event underscores the growing importance of youth involvement in shaping global policy and future trajectories, and the very concept of العدالة (justice) was central to all discussions.
A Platform for Youth-Led Global Discourse
This year’s youth forum, which concluded its two-day run, was deliberately designed to foster open exchange among young people concerning the multifaceted challenges facing the world today. Participants actively debated topics spanning geopolitics, economic development, emerging technologies, and cultural diplomacy. Crucially, the forum isn’t merely a talking shop; it aims to coalesce actionable recommendations which will be presented to the main Doha Forum, scheduled to commence this Saturday.
In his address, Engineer Yasser Al-Jamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Vice Chairman of the QatarDebate Board of Directors, highlighted the transformative power of youth engagement. He emphasized that the forum embodies young people’s capacity to convert ideas into impactful initiatives. Al-Jamal further noted that the world is undergoing rapid transformations, “reshaping the maps of politics, economics, and knowledge,” making the inclusion of youth in future planning not just desirable, but essential. He added that investing in this generation isn’t temporary, but an investment with lasting effects.
Key Discussions and Emerging Themes: Reimagining Global Dynamics
The forum wasn’t structured around passive listening; it was intensely participatory, marked by focused sessions tackling pressing issues head-on. Several themes consistently emerged throughout the two days.
Who Holds the Reins?: Redefining Responsibility in Geopolitics
The inaugural session, titled “Who Holds the Reins?: Redefining Responsibility in Geopolitics,” featured prominent figures like Tierana Hassan, former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch and current Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders in the US, and Sheikha Amnah Mohammed bin Sahi Al Thani, Founder and CEO of “Strategic Hub,” alongside Aaron Mathey. The discussion delved into the significant shifts in the global power balance and the increasingly vital role young people play in promoting accountability and bolstering international cooperation. This session provided insightful analysis of how responsibility for global issues is distributed – and who should be at the table when decisions are made.
The Digital Sphere: A New Arena of Power
Another critical session, “The Digital Space: The New Arena of Power,” explored the accelerated development of technology and the emergence of the digital realm as a crucial battlefield for geopolitical competition and the exercise of global influence. The session unveiled the mechanisms driving the digital space’s transformation into a core arena for conflict and power projection. Debate centered on the challenges this shift poses to national and international security, including cybersecurity threats, information manipulation, and issues of sovereignty. Importantly, participants examined how this same technology could be leveraged to advance العدالة في الممارسة (justice in practice) rather than serving as a tool for control – a crucial distinction. This discussion touched upon the importance of digital literacy and responsible technological development.
Bridging Policy & Education: Ensuring Access for All
The session “Convergence of Policies and Education: Towards Ensuring Education for All,” conducted in partnership with Education Above All Foundation, stressed the necessity of addressing the fundamental issues surrounding the formulation and implementation of educational policies that promote equitable access, especially for vulnerable populations. Discussions included innovative practices and real-world examples. The emphasis on education highlighted its foundational role in achieving broader societal التنمية (development) and ensuring a just and inclusive future.
Global Forums: Objectives, Challenges, and Future Visions
Participants in the session “Exploring Global Forums: Goals, Challenges and Future Visions” reaffirmed the central role of international summits and forums in tackling global imperatives and facilitating meaningful dialogue. They underscored the importance of strategies to convert forum outcomes into tangible, on-the-ground action.
Contemporary Developments and Regional Implications
A further session focused on “The New Middle East System: Implications for the Future of the Region,” tackling current developments and their future ramifications. This underscored the forum’s commitment to addressing immediate, regional concerns within the broader framework of global justice and stability. The session addressed the rapidly evolving political landscape of the Middle East and the challenges and opportunities facing the region.
The youth forum is taking place just days before the launch of the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum, which will be held under the slogan “Consolidating Justice: From Promises to Concrete Reality.” Heads of state, experts, and policymakers from around the world will attend. The outcome of the youth forum is expected to shape key discussions at the main event, clearly demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to including young voices in a global dialogue focused on finding solutions to the most pressing challenges – relating to security, peace, economic resilience, and technological advancements.
This event highlights the vital link between fostering youth leadership and working towards a more just and equitable global order. By providing a platform for open discussion, collaborative problem-solving, and the generation of actionable recommendations, the Doha Forum 2025 – in both its youth and main editions – demonstrates a powerful commitment to building a future where العدالة (justice) prevails. For those interested in learning more, following the official hashtags #DohaForum2025 and #Qatar can provide continuous updates and insights.
