Doha, Information Office/ April 30
HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has affirmed that the Doha Forum has become a global platform for deep constructive dialogue, thanks to the patronage and the continuous support of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE the Minister welcomed the participants to the 17th edition of the Forum, which will be held on May 14 and 15, noting that the size and level of participation reflect the distinguished position enjoyed by the Forum regionally and internationally, as well as its role in analyzing the reality of the region and the world and its contribution to addressing pressing issues.
HE the Foreign Minister said that the foreign policy of the State of Qatar adopts the principle of dialogue in resolving issues, conflicts and crises, adding that the commitment of the State to organizing this forum for the seventeenth year in a row is consistent with its orientation in support of the global dialogue for peace, stability and development.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that the participation of leaders, politicians, specialists, intellectuals and civil society organizations in the this session of the forum is an ideal opportunity to discuss major changes in the global political scene, challenges of economic development, investment, political and economic roles and legal, human rights in addition to legal and humanitarian dimensions in tackling refugees' issues.
He pointed out that the title of the this edition of the Forum "Development, Stability and Refugee Issues" reflects the great attention attached to pressing issues, pointing out that the armed conflicts, terrorism, extremism, poverty and unemployment currently being witnessed by the region and the world require thorough discussions to address the roots of these issues to achieve peoples aspirations for development, stability, justice and human peace in its economic, environmental and societal dimensions.
The Doha Forum, organized annually by the Permanent Committee for Organizing of Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is one of the most prominent international forums in the field of the current international affairs, which had gained great importance and attention through its previous sessions, since its inception, as a basis for political and social security, in particular human development.
The 17th session of the Forum discusses development and stability issues at the regional and international levels, focusing on the refugee issue as the most critical issues .
The opening session of the Forum will address the topic of international cooperation and the importance of political and economic stability.
The Forum will feature four main themes, respectively: the changes in the global political scene, the challenges of economic development and investment in the global changes including oil and energy issues, the political and economic role in refugee issues, and the legal, human and rights dimension in dealing with refugee issues.
The first theme will discuss a number of issues under important subtitles, including the developments of the Gulf-Iranian relationship, in addition to another topic entitled "America, the European Union, Russia and a new political stage in the Middle East," in which context the new American policy and its impact on world peace, the Russian military presence in the Middle East and its implications, and the decline of the role of the Security Council in resolving international disputes will be discussed.
It will also discuss the political situation in the Far East and the Indian Subcontinent," the current political situation and the issues of conflict in the Far East and the exacerbation of ethnic and sectarian conflicts in some countries as well as the escalation of some political forces in the Far East and the security dilemma in Afghanistan and the Silk Road economic belt " China's Silk Road, "its impact on foreign policy, North Korea's threats and minority issues under political changes.
The second major theme, titled "The Challenges of Economic Development and Investment in the Global Change Stage", will address the global economic situation, oil and renewable energy, and discuss the new prices of oil and the economies of the region and OPEC ability in maintaining the stability of oil prices, and the strategies to deal with energy alternatives and their impact on regional and international movements, as well as new energy policy and economic changes, the Asian economy, besides the future of new energy, alternative energy patterns and their impact on the economy.
It will also feature the future of international trade agreements and investment as well as the challenges facing the World Trade Organization (WTO) and protective measures as the most important obstacle to the growth of the global economy, investment opportunities and transfer of technology, free trade agreements, the world economy, International development and investment opportunities.
It will also discuss the global economic downturn and the ways to build a strong global economy, where participants will discuss the international economic system, and its impact on sustainable development, the assessment of global economic performance, the outlook for the future as well as the developmental role of women and youth, civil society and the private sector and its role in promoting economic development, Labor markets policies and associated challenges.
The third theme of this seventeenth session of the Doha Forum focuses on 'Political and Economic Aspects in Refugee Crisis', where participants will discuss Refugee Issues and states' Policies; Disparity of international reactions to wars and refugee issues; Varying modes of reception for of refugees in accordance with the objectives, policies and economic capabilities of hosting countries; Unilateral deterrent actions to curb the increasing flow of refugees; The impact of refugee crisis on international relations; The division among the European Union on refugees; Consequences of reluctance of some countries to receive refugees; and Imposition of social isolation on refugees in some countries and failure to integrate them in local communities.
Under the sub-theme, 'Socio - Economic Issues of Refugee Crisis: Economic, Educational, Health', the forum participants will debate Deficient food and drinking water in refugee camps; Lack of medical treatment and basic medicines for refugees; Difficulty in obtaining residence or work permits; Deteriorating economic situation and less job opportunities that may force refugees to deviate and resort to criminal acts; Denying the children their most basic educational rights; Employing the minors; and Violations committed against some female and children refugees (including sexual harassment, assaults, kidnapping and trafficking).
The fourth Theme of the Forum is 'The Legal and Humane Dimension of dealing with the Refugee Crisis'. Under this theme, participants will address the role of the International Community and Human Rights Organizations in dealing with the Refugee Crisis; The way that international organizations deal with refugee issues; Promote the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; The right of refugees to return to their homeland; The non-implementation of the United Nations resolutions on refugees' return to their homelands; Demand on international tribunals to bring to justice those responsible for the refugee crisis; Amending International law and restrictions limiting cross of borders based on the scale of the crisis; and Financial support to refugee hosting countries.
Under the sub-theme, 'The role of Civil Society and Charity Organizations in dealing with the Refugee Crisis', the forum will also discuss Engaging international relief organizations (The Red Cross and Red Crescent); Addressing the worsening conditions of the camps and the inadequacy or low standard of services provided therein; The inability of organizations to access areas of conflict; The need to support charity organizations carry out their missions; Improve systems and measures of protecting vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly and persons with special needs; Providing education and training for the children of the refugees; and Providing medical field services to the refugees.
In another sub-theme, 'Development, Stability and the Refugee Crisis in the Media'; the Forum will discuss The role of media in establishing the foundations for development and stability; Media restrictions and the challenges of media work; The impact of cyberspace on the system of moral values and freedom; The growing impact of e-commerce on development; Arab media between professionalism and political subordination; Familiarizing the international community on the human rights violations against refugees; and Social media networks and issues of refugees.
The Theme of this year's Doha Forum is entitled: (Development, Stability and Refugee Crisis). Undoubtedly, development and stability are the mainstay of state and communities development. They represent the most effective way to confront present crises and future challenges. Equally, the absence of development and stability represents the most important reasons behind the tragic state of affairs and exacerbated conflicts around the world, particularly in the Middle East.
Perhaps, the realization of development and stability does not hinge on the political and the economic aspects only but rather includes the humanitarian, intellectual, religious and social aspects.
The refugee crisis is one of the most pressing issues in our world today, and that substantially affects the development and stability of societies politically, economically, and humanly, and leaves an even more painful effect on the conscience of humanity; the international community today witnesses an unprecedented level refuge and voluntary or forced immigration.
According to reports by the UN High Commission for refugees (UNHCR) the number of international migrants reached, in 2015, (244 million person), (20 million) of them were refugees and asylum seekers, escaping from violence and wars taking place in their countries, or escaping from persecution, or looking for work and safety, discounting other 34 million of internally displaced persons.
Therefore, Doha Forum comes this year to discuss issues of development and stability on the international and regional levels, and focusing on the most serious issues that currently affect the refugees problem.
The first edition of the Doha Forum was held in 2001. Doha Forum has proved its international presence throughout its previous sixteen conferences since its inception. It regularly discusses political, economic, regional and international issues. The Forum has become one of the most important international forums which brings together the largest number of experts, academics, politicians, decision-makers, specialists, businessmen and civil society organizations from around the world, to discuss ways to achieve stability, regional and global prosperity, and how to address the challenges hindering stability in the world.