16th Al Jazeera Forum Kicks Off, Addressing Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East

Al Jazeera Forum

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.

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 our region.

His Excellency added that this year’s Forum is a platform to discuss recent developments in the region, adding that the world today is witnessing 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 and sacrifices in covering events and delivering accurate news from around the world, honoring the journalists who lost their lives during their duties in Gaza and Syria, stating that they paid with their lives to deliver the truth in its entirety.

His Excellency also condemned the Israeli occupation's closure of Al Jazeera's offices in the West Bank and Jerusalem and the discriminatory treatment of their press crews, who are merely fulfilling their noble mission of reporting events and facts.

HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani appreciated the crucial role journalists play in conveying voices and images to the fullest, 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 also addresses the humanitarian and on-the-ground 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, additionally, sheds light on 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 forward-looking vision for the future of the Middle East in light of the recent changes witnessed in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, aiming to better 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 the most 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.

(QNA)