Inaugural Qatar Economic Forum convenes global business leaders and heads of state
The inaugural Qatar Economic Forum took place between 21-23 June 2021, virtually convening global business leaders, heads of state, and policy innovators to prepare a blueprint for the next stage of global growth. The virtual event, supported by Bloomberg, had a full agenda featuring live discussions, interviews, panels, speeches, and roundtables. It was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, and Media City.
Over 2,500 participants and 100 speakers attended the event, including influential voices in business, finance, and economic policy. They discussed all-encompassing themes, allowing for diverse discussions and insights, including ‘Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World’, ‘Technology Advanced’, ‘A Sustainable World’, ‘Markets and Investing’, ‘Power and Trade Flows’, ‘The Changing Consumer’, ‘The Power of Sport’, and ‘A More Inclusive World’.
The Forum was inaugurated by the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, who delivered an opening speech that reviewed the reality of the global economy, future prospects and opportunities.
The Founder of Bloomberg Michael R. Bloomberg spoke during the event, as well as the Presidents of South Africa, Rwanda, Armenia, Turkey, and Senegal, the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh, and Georgia, and the Director Generals of the World Trade Organisation and World Health Organisation.
The Forum aimed to identify opportunities, present solutions, and rethink the global economic landscape through the lens of the Middle East. By anchoring the event in Doha, the Forum utilised Qatar’s ability to link Asia with Africa and beyond, as well as its position as a global energy and sports leader.
The Forum was held as the world begins to emerge from the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now vital to provide opportunities for well-informed voices to gather and imagine the next chapter, through vivid thinking, new relationships and innovative approaches. In providing a platform for these discussions, the Forum should be considered a great success for all involved.