Developments in Syria Take Center Stage on Day Two of Doha Forum 2024

08 December 2024 07:00 PM

Panelists Discuss Humanitarian Action, International Law, and Security in a Rapidly Changing World

DOHA, Qatar, 8 December - The 22nd Edition of Doha Forum, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, concluded today, featuring several statements from key officials on the events unfolding in Syria.

At a press briefing, H.E. Hakan Fidan, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, stated, “This morning we woke up to a new Syria. The regime has collapsed, and controls of the country is changing hands. Of course this didn’t happen overnight. For the last 14 years the country has been in turmoil. As of this morning Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people can shape the future of their own country. Today there is hope.”

He continued, “Türkiye attaches great importance to the sovereignty and wellbeing of the Syrian people. Millions of people who were forced to leave their homes can today return. Today we call all actors inside and outside the region to act with prudence and calm. The territorial integrity of Syria must be preserved. We must be watchful during this transition period.”

Geir Pedersen, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Syria, also briefed members of the media on the sidelines of Doha Forum, saying, “Let me emphasize the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians that stable and inclusive transition arrangements are put in place urgently, and that the Syrian institutions continue to function, and that the Syrian people are enabled to begin to chart the path to meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and restore a unified Syria through sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in a way that can receive the support and engagement of the entire international community.”

He added, “Today, let's honor the memory of those who have suffered for decades by committing to help the Syrian people build a society where justice, freedom and prosperity are shared realities. Let us stand in solidarity with Syrians to help them ensure that this new chapter is one of hope and opportunity for every Syrian.”

Speaking at a panel, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi: Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Qatar, stated, “We are fully supporting the political process under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, and are fully moving towards more systematic, procedural steps that would provide the ability to preserve unity and with the

historic integrity of the Syrian people. The conflict is between the Syrian regime and Syrians not between Syria as a country and other countries. Therefore, we are fully supporting any factor that provides resolutions towards those issues as we’ve seen in the last 72 hours.”

At a panel on US Foreign Policy Jason Greenblatt: Former White House Middle East Envoy under the First Trump Administration and Founder of Abraham Venture LLC shared his thoughts on the incoming administration’s position on Syria. “Syria is not America's problem, first and foremost, it's the region's problem. And he wants the region to work hard to fix it. He'll engage in dialogue. He'll help where he can help.”

The two-day event, following the theme of 'The Innovation Imperative', saw top diplomats, experts, and changemakers address critical global challenges. Over 5,000 participants from 162 countries, including over 350 speakers, sparked powerful conversations, bold ideas, and game-changing collaborations.

Drawing attention from the world’s most influential leaders, this year’s honorable guests included H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar; H.E. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway; H.E. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India; H.E. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye; and H.E. Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, among others.

The forum officially drew to a close on Sunday evening with remarks from H.E. Philémon Yang: President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, who said, “We fundamentally agree that we simply cannot go it alone, we need each other all the time. Going forward it’s imperative that we own our commitment to international cooperation, rooted in the respect for international law, with trust and solidarity.”

H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi: Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Qatar, concluded, “Innovation is essential for resolving the pressing challenges of our time. This forum has reaffirmed its role as a platform for collective action, reminding us that the future belongs to those who dare to think differently.”

As the 2024 Forum draws to a close, preparations are already underway for the next edition. Participants, stakeholders, and the global community are invited to mark their calendars for Doha Forum 2025, which is schedule for 6-7 December 2025, in Doha, Qatar.

“As we conclude this edition, our sights are already set on Doha Forum 2025, where we look forward to continue our pursuit for solutions through dialogue and diplomacy,” commented H.E. Mubarak Ajlan Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Doha Forum. “The forum’s growth this year, with an almost 30% increase in participants, shows the need for a platform that gives decision makers, think tanks and marginalized voices a seat at the same table and an equal opportunity to contribute to the conversations shaping our future.”

To watch 2024 recordings, visit https://dohaforum.org/