Source: Government of Qatar
Your Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I welcome you to the 23rd Doha Forum, a leading global platform that brings together decision-makers, thought leaders, and experts from around the world, providing an influential space for dialogue on major challenges and the development of practical solutions.
This year’s forum is held under the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.” It reflects a reality we all observe: the widening gap between rhetoric and action, and the frequent absence of justice in the application of international law—especially in a world where interests take precedence over principles and force often replaces law.
Distinguished guests,
We meet today as our world faces an unprecedented escalation of crises—not because we lack resources or knowledge, but because we lack accountability, and because conflicts persist without just solutions. This situation poses a direct threat to international peace and security.
When crises are managed through the logic of force rather than the rule of law, and when aggressors remain beyond accountability, the international system becomes a collection of unfulfilled promises.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The escalating tensions have shown that minimal crisis management, or maintaining temporary international consensus without addressing the root causes of conflict, is no longer a viable option. When crises are not resolved justly, they grow more complex and extend beyond their borders. Temporary consensus does not stop history; it merely delays its inevitable consequences. Therefore, we confidently affirm today that only just solutions can create lasting peace and prevent the continuation of conflict and division.
The absence of accountability remains one of the most dangerous signs of dysfunction in our international system, a reality clearly reflected in our region. The suffering of the Palestinian people under blatant violations of international law, and the tragedies unfolding in Sudan—including massacres and grave human rights abuses—underscore that achieving justice and protecting rights are essential conditions for preserving the region’s stability and preventing its disintegration.
In Syria, after years of severe injustice, the Syrian people are moving forward on a path they hope will lead to recovery, within a transitional justice framework that promotes cohesion and rejects sectarianism, thus paving the way for a peace that turns the page on the past and is built on participation and justice.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The challenges facing our region are not separate from the global trend of declining respect for international law, the excessive and unaccountable use of force, and the weakening of international institutions. These factors together create an international environment marked by increasing risks and diminishing public trust in the global order.
Our world today needs a renewed commitment to the rule of law, a more just international system, and the empowerment of communities and humanitarian organizations as essential partners in building a more stable and inclusive future. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through formalities alone, but through collective efforts that place human dignity at the center of all policies.
Distinguished guests,
The State of Qatar believes that justice is not simply a political objective, but a fundamental pillar for safeguarding international peace and strengthening stability. Guided by this belief, our policies ensure that words align with actions, principles align with practice, and our international responsibilities are upheld with steadfast commitment. We do not take sides based on interests, but stand with those who serve humanity and uphold human dignity.
In this spirit, the State of Qatar continues its active role in mediation, a cornerstone of its foreign policy. It takes the initiative to open channels of dialogue, offer credible platforms for negotiation, and facilitate understanding between parties in conflict.
Qatar’s record of successful mediation efforts, along with the confidence the international community places in its role in achieving peace, confirms that mediation is neither a political luxury nor a self-serving choice for us. It is a deeply rooted approach that we pursue sincerely, based on our belief that building genuine peace begins with inclusion rather than exclusion, and with expanding common ground rather than deepening divisions.
This approach was clearly demonstrated in yesterday’s achievement, when the State of Qatar, in cooperation with our partners from Norway, Spain, and Switzerland, successfully brokered a significant breakthrough between the Colombian government and the self-proclaimed EGC. The agreement offers a genuine opportunity to strengthen the security and dignity of Colombians and gives conflict-affected communities a practical glimmer of hope after years of violence.
It also opens the door to a structured political process aimed at disarmament, combating drug production and trafficking, and building a sustainable peace within an agreed framework, thereby restoring stability to areas affected by conflict. This progress illustrates that sincere and responsible mediation can protect civilians and pave the way for a peace grounded in responsibility, trust, and the parties’ commitment to serving the people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the world does not need more promises; it needs justice practiced by all without double standards, responsibility shared by all without favoritism, and the courage to translate words into action. I hope this forum will be another step in that direction, and a platform for deepening cooperation among governments, societies, and humanitarian organizations, toward a more just and secure future for all humanity.
Peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.