The third edition of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), one of the most prestigious global business and investment events, kicked off yesterday with several decision-makers in the public and private sectors arriving in Qatar to take part in the various sessions. The three-day event will see over 50 mainstage speakers including heads of state, global CEOs from the world’s most influential corporations, leading global investors, and influential voices from the worlds of culture, sports, and entertainment.
The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani patronised the opening of the forum which is held under the theme “A New Global Growth Story”. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, made the opening addresses.
The forum comes at a turbulent time for the global economy with many countries struggling with soaring inflation, supply chain constraints, failing of big banks, and looming energy shortages due to conflicts and other geopolitical issues. QEF will facilitate discussions and dialogues on various challenges the global economy is facing and help decision-makers to exchange ideas and thoughts, which could help discover opportunities in various fields.
The Prime Minister in his speech explained that the forum is an important platform for discussing the most important economic issues and challenges facing the world today, and for discussing ways to address them in a spirit of cooperation and innovation.
Historically we have seen things change so fast and if countries or organisations are not ready to adapt to these disruptive changes they will fall behind. Climate change and Artificial Intelligence are just two examples of disruptive changes the world is staring at. Forums like QEF, where top business and political leaders come together, can help consolidate joint action and steps to face these challenges. The PM stressed in his address that the world is going through a knowledge and technological revolution and that governments and companies have a responsibility towards their society in managing these resources and knowledge.
As Bloomberg pointed out in his address, Qatar with its location between Europe and Asia and its growing strategic importance, is the best place to hold the forum, which discusses geopolitical issues and global trade from the point of view of economically influential countries.
Forums like QEF help overcome various challenges and achieve inclusive and sustainable global growth without leaving anyone behind. For this, all stakeholders must come together and work together. Hopefully, the three days of discussions and dialogues will help to take many steps towards this.
