On January 23, 2025, the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), in partnership with the Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action (CMHA) Program at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, the Network for Humanitarian Action (NOHA), and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, concluded the inaugural Conflict and Humanitarian Studies Conference. This event brought together researchers, academics, and practitioners from around the world to engage in critical discussions on pressing issues in conflict studies and humanitarian action.
The conference reaffirmed CHS's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and building capacities that promote sustainable peace and conflict resolution. A key focus was on strengthening partnerships with institutions to enhance educational and professional frameworks, providing innovative tools for peacebuilding and addressing contemporary challenges.
A total of 29 research papers, authored by 35 researchers from 17 countries, were presented. These papers explored conflict contexts in the Arab world and beyond, addressing both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to humanitarian challenges.
Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Amal Ghazal, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. The opening session featured contributions from Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout, Director of CHS; Mr. James Sater, Head of the Department of International Relations at the University of Malta and Director of NOHA; and Dr. Tariq Da'na, Head of the CMHA Program. Discussions highlighted pressing topics such as the use of artificial intelligence in warfare and the environmental and social impacts of rubble from conflicts.
Over the course of eight sessions, participants addressed key themes, including peace agreements, the evolving challenges of humanitarian work, and post-conflict recovery. A special focus was placed on reconstruction efforts in Gaza following the 2023–2025 Israeli aggression. These discussions reflected the urgent need to respond to shifting conflict dynamics and the complex nature of contemporary humanitarian crises.
The conference also examined humanitarian diplomacy through case studies such as the war on Gaza, the Rohingya crisis, and Yemen. Participants analyzed mediation and peace-making methodologies in the Arab region and addressed structural challenges in protracted conflicts. A recurring theme was the failure of the global humanitarian system to adequately respond to the devastating impacts of the war in Gaza. Comparisons were drawn with the conflict in Ukraine, situating Gaza within the broader contexts of colonialism and dehumanization. The discussions underscored the importance of integrating legal frameworks, peacebuilding strategies, and humanitarian relief to pave the way for recovery and resilience.
The conference marked a significant step in advancing comprehensive and innovative approaches to addressing conflict and humanitarian crises. By bridging academic research with professional practice, the event emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse local and global perspectives into academic and policy discourse.