Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, Chairperson of the QLC Board of Directors H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, and other dignitaries at the event yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: One of the primary challenges confronting decision-makers today is the capacity to make informed choices in the face of uncertainty and insufficient information, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, has said.
The statement was made during his opening address at the second Leadership Innovation Forum 2025, organised by the Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) under the theme “The Art of Decision Making,” held yesterday in Doha.
The forum held under the patronage of Chairperson of the QLC Board of Directors H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, had in attendance Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, and several of their Excellencies Ministers, diplomats and other dignitaries.
Al Khulaifi emphasised the intricacies involved in decision-making within the realms of diplomacy and international relations, characterising it as a process that necessitates a clear vision, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to principles. He noted that the interdependence of interests and stakeholders often obscures a comprehensive understanding.
“This necessitates decisions grounded in principles rather than emotions,” he remarked.
Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi speaking during Leadership Innovation Forum 2025.
Dr. Al Khulaifi underscored that prudent decision-making strikes a balance between authority and accountability, referring to each decision as “an ethical act prior to being an administrative one.” He further noted that both institutional and personal awareness are crucial in cultivating effective leadership.
He emphasised that true leadership encompasses not only the management of current affairs but also the pursuit of meaningful transformation. “An effective leader is one who makes incremental decisions that collectively foster positive change,” he stated.
In discussing political leadership, Al Khulaifi remarked that the success of political decisions is evaluated not merely by their processes but also by their capacity to cultivate trust, enhance understanding, and ensure stability. He highlighted that decision-making serves as a pivotal instrument in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Dr. Al Khulaifi articulated that Qatar’s foreign policy is anchored in steadfast principles and adaptable positions, prioritising humanity and the public good. He further noted that Qatar’s involvement in regional and international mediation exemplifies its humanitarian dedication and strategic vision aimed at fostering peace as a sustainable and evolving choice.
He concluded by emphasising the necessity of nurturing conscious and courageous leaders who are capable of making responsible decisions, asserting that “an informed decision is the cornerstone of sustainable development and institutional success.”
This year’s forum examined leadership through the prism of decision-making, featuring keynote and interactive sessions on themes such as leadership through sportsmanship and unity, medical leadership balancing prevention and precision, nurturing future leaders at home, and leading by initiative — from concept to execution.
The event wrapped up with a session dedicated to sustaining and evolving institutional and familial legacies through conscious leadership.
The Leadership Innovation Forum continues to function as a national platform that connects thought with practice, empowering leaders to enhance their competencies in leadership, innovation, and decision-making, thereby strengthening Qatar’s leadership ecosystem and its impact both locally and globally.
The forum builds on the success of the inaugural 2024 edition, aiming to become a premier national platform where emerging leaders, seasoned decision-makers, and subject-matter experts converge to explore how leadership thrives at critical moments.
The forum’s parallel workshops and breakout sessions included “Leadership and Youth Empowerment – Preparing an Innovative Generation of Future Leaders”, “Will You Accept Me?” (on fear of rejection in decision making), and “Technology and Legislation – Flexible Decisions in a Rapidly Growing World.”
The forum also staged a pavilion for graduates of national leadership programmes to showcase successes and engage in dialogue, fostering networking among alumni, young leaders, and sector specialists.
