UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will chair the two-day event aimed at aiding Afghan society. The prospects of progress remain uncertain as the ruling Taliban have boycotted over fear of criticism of its rule.

Qatar holds an important position of influence over Hamas, a designated terrorist entity, whose political headquarters it has housed for more than a decade. Some question its legitimacy as mediator in the Israel-Hamas war.

Qatar has been praised for its role in brokering the Gaza truce and mediating the continuing, complex negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. But what's in it for the government in Doha? Professor Melanie Garson is a trained negotiator and conflict resolution expert. She spoke to FRANCE 24's Gavin Lee.

Qatar holds an important position of influence over Hamas, a designated terrorist entity, whose political headquarters it has housed for more than a decade. Some question its legitimacy as mediator in the Israel-Hamas war.

A Qatari court last week handed death sentences to eight Indian employees of a Qatari company on "spying charges," posing a complex diplomatic challenge for India and raising questions about India-Qatar relations.