Doha Forum kicks off in Qatari capital

By Ibrahim Mukhtar

ANKARA (AA) – The 20th edition of the Doha Forum international conference kicked off on Saturday in the Qatari capital, Doha.

The two-day event, held under the theme “Transforming for a New Era”, sees the participation of prominent speakers, including policy-makers, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, activists and the academia among others.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said Doha Forum was founded 22 years ago to provide a venue for decision-makers, experts and the media from our region and the world at large.

Commenting on the Russian war on Ukraine, the Qatari ruler said the war reveled “beyond any doubt that the formulas upon which the international order was based in the aftermath of World War II - and after the end of the Cold War are changing.”

Russia began its war on Feb. 24. It has been met with international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,081 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 1,707 injured, according to UN estimates, while noting that the true figure is likely far higher.

More than 3.7 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, with over 6.5 million displaced inside the country, according to the UN refugee agency.