Global Security Forum opens today under ‘The Future of Alliances’ theme

Doha, Qatar - The eighth Global Security Forum (GSF) kicked off today under the leadership of Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, with participants from over 100 nations convening to discuss the future of international alliances and collective security. The Forum, running until October 21 and themed 'The Future of Alliances,' aims to facilitate discussions among senior officials, security experts, and academics to address pressing security challenges and explore ways to enhance international cooperation.

Organized by the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS), the invite-only event brings together ministers, intelligence officials, military representatives, multilateral organization representatives, academics, and journalists. The opening day's program includes a conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister H.E.

Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, along with high-level discussions on the urgent need for stronger international collaboration and diplomatic channels to achieve credible and sustainable political solutions.

GSF 2026 will feature sessions led by national security advisors from Poland, Switzerland, Austria, and Greece, as well as panels addressing topics like irregular migration, the future of the defense industry, and perspectives from NATO and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Hesham Elgamiel, Senior Director of Quality Assurance and Business Development at QIASS, emphasized the significance of this year's Forum, stating that it comes at a critical moment when established alliances are under pressure and international cooperation is more vital than ever.

The Forum will provide a platform to share perspectives, assess emerging security challenges, and explore practical approaches to strengthening international cooperation through plenary sessions, strategic dialogues, moderated discussions, and closed-door roundtables.