Competition between the United States and China is deepening despite a flurry of high-level meetings between the two countries in 2023 . The great power rivalry that may define the 21st century has far-reaching effects across the global economy, as well as multilateral cooperation on critical challenges such as climate change and the emergence of new technologies. What strategies and responses will so-called middle powers employ to cut their own independent path under increasing pressure and an emerging power vacuum?

The world has more active violent conflicts now than at any time since the end of the Second World War and our ability to build sustainable peace has never been more urgent. By rethinking international cooperation, we can use peacebuilding to address root causes of violent conflict, build local capacity, ensure inclusion, accountability, and transparency while increasing solidarity and social justice. What are the roles of global and regional cooperation in building durable peace after an agreement is signed? What are the steps necessary for taking forward the UN Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace?

In this panel discussion, we will dissect the concerning decline of social cohesion and its profound implications for peaceful societies. We'll examine the intricate web of factors contributing to this erosion, from polarization and inequality to the erosion of trust and community bonds. Esteemed public policy experts will discuss the development of a social cohesion index by Hamad Bin Khalifa University which is more relevant to the Middle East and Global South.

Against the backdrop of the Gaza crisis where the Israel-Hamas conflict has shattered the fragile regional stability, there is a growing view that the war in Ukraine may turn into a stalemate. The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has diverted diplomatic, political and media attention away from Kyiv, compounding concerns over long-term western funding for Kyiv. What role do international influences and relationship have on preventing a protracted conflict and what strategies can be harnessed to de-escalate tensions and facilitate a peaceful resolution. By examining the engagement of key global stakeholders and their contributions to conflict mitigation, this panel aims to shed light on the potential pathways toward lasting stability and cooperation in the region.

This session will ask whether multilateral institutions are meeting the needs of the present, and how multilateral systems might evolve to better include and address the rapidly changing challenges of the coming decades. How can we build inclusive systems, norms, and institutions that both honor the dignity and differences of the world’s people while also enabling effective cooperation across powerful divides? What frameworks, ideas, and technologies will we need to develop to be the stewards of our many shared futures?

Doha Forum 2023 closing session