Doha: The 16th edition of the Al Jazeera Forum, organized by Al Jazeera Media Network, commenced on Saturday and will span two days under the theme “From the War on Gaza to Change in Syria: Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East.” The Forum features participation from a distinguished group of experts, researchers, and media professionals from around the world.
According to Qatar News Agency, in his opening remarks, HE Chairman of Board of Directors of Al Jazeera Media Network Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani highlighted that Al Jazeera Forum provides a unique opportunity to address important issues concerning the Arab world by discussing their causes, implications, and the new and evolving changes they bring to the region.
His Excellency added that this year’s Forum is a platform to discuss recent developments in the region, noting the end of 15 months of the genocidal war on Gaza with a ceasefire agreement, and significant transformations in Syria.
HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani praised Al Jazeera’s efforts in covering events and delivering news from around the world, honoring the journalists who lost their lives during their duties in Gaza and Syria, stating that they sacrificed their lives to deliver the truth.
His Excellency also condemned the Israeli occupation’s closure of Al Jazeera’s offices in the West Bank and Jerusalem and the treatment of their press crews, who are fulfilling their mission of reporting events and facts.
HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani appreciated the role journalists play in conveying voices and images, noting that they risk their lives for their work, and their efforts have been instrumental in achieving the current outcomes and changes seen today.
This year’s Forum focuses on the geopolitical ramifications of the Israeli war on Gaza, examining its impact on regional power balances. It addresses the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as well as the negotiation process and post-war arrangements.
On regional developments, the Forum explores the ongoing changes in Syria after the fall of Al Assad regime, analyzing the internal situation and its regional implications, with ample space dedicated to discussing these consequences.
The Forum also highlights the global solidarity movement supporting the Palestinian cause, featuring prominent figures from Western universities movements that have turned into protest grounds against the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
The Forum concludes with a vision for the future of the Middle East in light of the recent changes witnessed in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, aiming to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the region.
Al Jazeera Forum is a dialogue platform provided by Al Jazeera Network for researchers, experts, and decision-makers to exchange views on pressing issues and challenges concerning the Arab region and the Middle East, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of these issues and a clearer vision of how to address them.