The 2021 Global Security Forum (GSF) took place from October 12-14, 2021, in Doha, Qatar and adopted a hybrid approach to include virtual participants. As states vie for power and resources in a rapidly evolving geopolitical climate, conversations focused on the theme ‘Cooperation or Competition? Changing Dynamics of Global Security.’ Over the three days, the discussions stressed the need for the international community to recognize the breadth of issues which are best addressed through cooperation, including the ongoing global pandemic, climate crisis, humanitarian crises, the protection of human rights, and transnational security challenges. The crisis in Afghanistan, potential recognition of the Taliban, and the need for a collective and consistent approach to counter-terrorism were themes repeatedly raised over the series of discussions.
The Global Security Forum is organized by The Soufan Center (TSC) and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS). In 2021, the Global Security Forum confirmed partnerships with the Airey Neave Trust, Defense One, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), New America Foundation, Nordic Safe Cities, The Soufan Group, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), and Qatar Airways.