About Global Security Forum
The Global Security Forum is an annual international gathering hosted by The Soufan Center and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies. For several years it has brought together an international network of senior officials and experts, and consistently included ministers, heads of security agencies, and prominent experts, academics, and journalists, and thousands of attendees. This invitation-only event provides a unique dynamic platform for international stakeholders to convene and address the international community’s leading security challenges.
2026 Global Security Forum
Collective Security and the Crisis of Legitimacy
October 2026
The 2026 Global Security Forum (GSF) will take place on October 2026, in Doha, Qatar. Held under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, hosted by The Soufan Center and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS).
This year’s theme, “Collective Security and the Crisis of Legitimacy,” could not be more timely, or more urgent. Around the world, trust in international institutions is fraying, global governance is under strain, and the principles that have long anchored stability are facing unprecedented tests. The 2026 GSF will confront these challenges head-on, offering a platform for clarity, collaboration, and action.
More details, including speaker announcements, session themes—will be released in the coming weeks.
Past Forums
2025
The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security
The 2025 Global Security Forum (GSF) took place from April 28–30, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, hosted by The Soufan Center and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS). Held under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
2024
Strategic Competition:
The Complexity of Interdependence
The 2024 Global Security Forum took place from May 20-22 in Doha, Qatar. The theme of this year’s forum was Strategic Competition: The Complexity of Interdependence.
2023
Reshaping the Global Order: Conflict, Crises, and Cooperation
The 2023 Global Security Forum took place from March 13-15, in Doha, Qatar. The 2023 Global Security Forum theme was Reshaping the Global Order.
2021
Cooperation or Competition? Changing Dynamics of Global Security
The 2021 Global Security Forum took place from October 12-14, 2021, in Doha, Qatar and adopted a hybrid approach for virtual participants.
2020
A New World (Dis)Order? Managing Security Challenges in an Increasingly Complex Landscape
The 2020 ‘Virtual’ Global Security Forum took place from November 16-19, 2020, and addressed the topic ‘A New World (Dis)order? Managing Security Challenges in an Increasingly Complex Landscape.’
2019
Security Challenges in the Era of Modern Disinformation
The 2019 Global Security Forum took place on 15-16 October in Doha, Qatar. The two-day conference explored the security challenges posed by the proliferation of modern disinformation and the serious implications this has on an increasingly interconnected world.
2018
Returning Foreign Fighters: Policies and Actions to Address the Threat and Protect Vulnerable Communities
The inaugural 2018 Global Security Forum took place in Doha, Qatar, from 30-31 October 2018, bringing together a consortium of experts, practitioners, and policy-makers to address the global challenge of returning foreign fighters.