The first edition of the Qatar Economic Forum commenced on Monday afternoon, taking place via video conferencing and continuing for three days, amidst significant local and global participation. In his video address during the forum's opening session, the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stated that the world has not yet transitioned to a post-COVID-19 phase. Sheikh Tamim added that the role of the state is essential in overcoming challenges associated with the pandemic, noting that a three-pillar strategy to confront COVID-19 has been implemented in Qatar.
The Emir called on world leaders to cooperate further to ensure an equitable and comprehensive distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The inaugural forum features many global leaders and heads of government, including Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, as well as over 100 speakers from around the world.
The forum also hosts a global elite of over 2,000 executives, inspiring figures, and decision-makers across finance, economy, investment, technology, energy, education, sports, and climate sectors, who will work together to identify opportunities, propose solutions, and rethink the global economic landscape from a Middle Eastern perspective.
**Forum Themes**
The agenda of the forum includes six main themes: "Advanced Technology," which will highlight permanent changes in the relationship between humans and technology; "A Sustainable World," which will explore the intersection of capitalism with climate; "Markets and Investment," focusing on investors' ability to shape a more resilient global economy in their quest for growth opportunities; "Energy and Trade Flows," which will bring together global energy intermediaries to share their future visions; "The Changing Consumer," discussing the future of commerce; and a more inclusive world to present ideas on community recovery post-pandemic.
The Qatar Economic Forum aims to develop plans that support global economic growth during the post-pandemic phase, highlight Qatar's efforts to lead economic growth and achieve comprehensive development goals, and solidify its position as one of the most important investment destinations regionally and globally.
