In partnership with: United Nations and Qatar Fund for Development

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, launched the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative, in February 2024. The initiative aims to establish a collaborative dialogue and learning platform for Global South countries to help them address the health challenges they face. Indeed, despite global commitments and significant investments from global health initiatives, many countries are not making progress toward health targets. As part of the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative, panelists will discuss collaborative solutions to critical health challenges in the Global South. 

 

In partnership with: Gates Foundation and Middle East Council on Global Affairs 

This session will explore how culture acts as a bridge between nations, transcending political and geographical boundaries. Experts will discuss the evolution of cultural diplomacy, the strategic use of cultural power by different countries, and the pivotal role of cultural institutions in promoting cross-cultural dialogue. It will also highlight the role of artists as cultural mediators, inciting cross-cultural dialogue through their work. The session will ultimately highlight the role of education in fostering global citizenship and examine how cultural diplomacy can address global challenges like migration and climate change. 

 

In partnership with: Qatar Museums 

As global crises become more complex, humanitarian diplomacy plays a crucial role in negotiating aid delivery and protecting civilians in conflict zones. However, its effectiveness is often hampered by disorganization and a lack of a cohesive framework. The need for a structured approach, such as an international humanitarian diplomacy charter, is growing. This charter could establish clear guidelines, improve coordination, and promote cooperation among international actors, enhancing the global response to humanitarian needs. The panel will discuss the challenges facing humanitarian diplomacy that a charter could address, outline the steps necessary to achieve international consensus and propose strategies to enhance humanitarian efforts through training, research, and collaboration. 

 

In partnership with: Qatar Red Crescent Society 

 

 

In partnership with: Qatar Foundation

The war in Ukraine has a new period of uncertain dynamism with shifting battle lines and Ukrainian leadership openly talking about a diplomatic end to the war.  How could these factors impact Russian and Ukrainian allies as well as neutral powers?  What lessons does the development of the war over the past 2.5 years hold about the changing world order?  What influence can non-aligned countries bring to bear on the parties?  And will Europeans take the lead in constructing a post-war security architecture for the continent or will they once again allow the United States to determine their future?   This session will look beyond the immediate impact of the new phase in the conflict and ask how it could further reshape global geopolitics. 

 

In partnership with: European Council on Foreign Relations