Forward Thinking at the Doha Forum, 6-7 December 2025

Forward Thinking attended the Doha Forum 2025, where Jordan spoke on a panel entitled “Cultural Diplomacy in a Polarising Political Climate.” Convened by the SHAF Center for Conflict Analysis, the panel brought together H.E. Mohamed Soufi, Director of the Afro-Arab Cultural Institution (Arab League); Senator Rania Sedky, Member of the Egyptian Senate; and Shoshana Stewart, President of Turquoise Mountain. The discussion was moderated by Professor Mohamed Sameh Amr, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Cairo University.

Jordan Morgan stands with other representatives from the Cultural Diplomacy in a Polarising Political Climate Session.

Together, the panel explored how respect for culture can function as a powerful diplomatic tool—bridging divides, fostering empathy, and transforming dialogue into practical cooperation. These conversations are especially urgent at a time of heightened global polarisation and militarisation, when peace efforts are increasingly pursued through coercion, domination, and submission, rather than through recognition of our shared humanity.

Jordan Morgan sits alongside the other speakers on the Cultural Diplomacy in a Polarising Political Climate Panel.

Jordan Morgan speaks at the Doha Forum.

During the Forum, Jordan also convened a lively and substantive exchange on legal reconstruction in Gaza, joined by Sir John Thomas, former Lord Chief Justice; Sir Max Hill KC; Sir Bob Neill KC (Hon); and Maleeka Bokhari, former Pakistani Minister of Justice. The discussion focused on advancing Palestinian-led legal frameworks and mechanisms as part of long-term efforts to rebuild a devastated legal system in Gaza.

In addition, Jordan had the opportunity to update Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, on Forward Thinking’s ongoing analysis and work in the Middle East.