Doha Forum a rare global platform for ‘diversity of opinions’: Swedish official

Doha, Qatar: Director General for Global Affairs at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Mikael Lindvall has described the Doha Forum as a rare gl...

Doha, Qatar: Director General for Global Affairs at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Mikael Lindvall has described the Doha Forum as a rare global platform where a “diversity of opinions” can be expressed openly and respectfully.

In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula yesterday Lindvall said that the culture of listening at the event is his biggest takeaway.

“You will hear a big diversity of opinions, sometimes even directly opposing views in the same panel, and we need more of that,” he said, reflecting on Doha Forum 2025 held under the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.”

He said the event stands out for creating an environment where participants genuinely engage with differing perspectives. “My impression is that it’s really a place where people listen to each other and try to understand each other’s viewpoints,” he said, adding that the Forum also offered valuable opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and build new relationships.

Lindvall stressed that the Forum’s theme strongly aligned with Sweden’s priorities.