Speaking via a video link to the Forum, President Zelensky criticized Russia for the ongoing war in his country; declaring that “we are for peace”.

President Zelensky, who urged world leaders to isolate Russia and to boycott its oil and gas, also appealed to petroleum-producing countries, such as Qatar to increase their exports, especially natural gas, to help lessen the impact of the war on other countries.

“They can do much to restore justice. The future of Europe depends on your effort. I ask you to increase the output of energy to ensure that everyone in Russia understands that no country can use energy as a weapon and blackmail the world,” he said.

The two-day Forum is being organised by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the theme “Transforming for a New Era”.

This year’s edition is focusing on four core areas, namely Geopolitical Alliances and International Relations; Financial System and Economic Development; Defense, Cyber, and Food Security; and Climate Change and Sustainability.

The Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue, bringing together leaders in policy to build innovative and action-driven networks.

President Zelensky noted that no country was insured against shocks from disruptions to food supply happening because of Russia’s invasion of his country.

“The world’s markets have not yet overcome the repercussions of the pandemic, which include the price shocks of food. No one is insured against these shocks, and you cannot be insured if there is a physical scarcity of food.”

Doha Forum promotes the interchange of ideas, discourse, policymaking, and action-oriented recommendations.

Doha Forum reaches out to high level: policymakers, government leaders, private sector representatives, civil society, and non-governmental organizations with the belief that diversity in thought will enhance how they deal with their collective challenges.