Qatar forum warns of economic downturn, shift in cryptocurrency

Qatar forum warns of economic downturn, shift in cryptocurrency

DUBAI — The final day of the Qatar Economic Forum on Thursday saw global heads of companies and governments stress the need for more cooperation in an increasingly polarized world across traditional and novel industries to find tangible solutions for goals such as reducing emissions, transitioning to clean energy and stabilizing financial markets. 

Doha’s three-day global business and investment event saw a reported 1,000 CEOs and heads of state gather to discuss critical economic issues faced in boardrooms globally.  

Robert Friedland, the founder and executive co-chairman of the Canadian mining company Ivanhoe Mines, said Thursday that one resounding topic was the debate over effective energy transition. 

“We can’t get to a new world in energy without depending on hydrocarbon or nuclear power,” he said, explaining that incumbent energy sources such as liquified natural gas are still needed to develop metals like copper that the world needs to build electric vehicles and evolve into using cleaner energy. 

He said it would take at least a generation to reach a point where the world can depend on clean power, and traditional energy leaders like some countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council will play an important role. 

Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned governments that the massive push