Diplomacy: The Qatar effect

I had the immense honor of being invited this year to the Doha Forum, a gathering that brings together leaders and decision-makers from around the world—diplomats, political officials, and international relations experts—to discuss major contemporary global challenges. For me, it was both a privilege and a responsibility: a privilege to attend high-level strategic discussions, and a responsibility to offer an informed perspective on the role of key actors in the current crises in the Middle East and in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Why Qatar plays a central role

Qatar occupies a unique and decisive position in international diplomatic efforts and has done so for several years. Thanks to a subtle diplomatic approach, significant financial influence, and a strategic geopolitical position, the country is often chosen as a mediator in complex crises—including humanitarian situations and regional conflicts.

Qatar and the Israeli hostages: a widely recognized contribution

In the context of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Qatar has played a key role in facilitating negotiations surrounding the exchange of hostages, relying on its unique ability to maintain communication channels with a wide range of actors—including those with whom other states refuse to engage directly.

Several Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged Qatar’s involvement in efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. For example, Yair Lapid—leader of the Israeli opposition—stated during a meeting with Qatari officials that he “appreciates the tireless efforts that Qatar is making” and that he hopes “everyone will return home as soon as possible.”

Similarly, Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s National Security Adviser, affirmed that “Qatar’s diplomatic efforts are crucial at this time,” emphasizing the importance of its negotiations in seeking humanitarian solutions.

Qatar and the Ukrainian children: a concrete role in the return of deported children

One essential—and far too little-known—point raised during the Doha Forum concerns the role Qatar has already played in the return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia.

Unlike other actors whose roles remain mostly declarative, Doha has undertaken concrete actions, recognized both by Ukraine and by several international organizations.

In 2023 and 2024, Qatar served as a discreet but decisive intermediary for several humanitarian missions aimed at locating, contacting, and facilitating the repatriation of Ukrainian children illegally transferred to Russia or occupied territories.

In several cases, Qatar even handled the full logistics of the transfer: transportation, diplomatic coordination, and mediation between families, as well as Ukrainian and Russian authorities.

These operations, carried out far from media attention, resulted in the effective return of several children—a result that few other states or organizations have been able to achieve in this extremely sensitive matter.

A key lesson from the Doha Forum: silent diplomacy is often the most effective

One of the most striking insights shared at the Doha Forum is the way representatives from opposing countries acknowledge—sometimes reluctantly—that Qatar is often the only actor capable of producing concrete results.

This trust, however fragile, gives Doha a unique capability: it can sometimes be the only access point through which indirect dialogue can be initiated.