Gord, US Embassy eye climate-focused tie-up

The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (Gord) recently hosted a leadership meeting with senior personnel from the US Embassy in Qatar. The meeting aimed to facilitate an open dialogue between Gord and the US Embassy, exploring potential collaboration opportunities and sharing insights on sustainable development practices. The gathering brought together decision makers and experts from both organisations to foster partnerships that contribute to Qatar's sustainable future.Dr Yousef Alhorr, founding chairman of Gord, said, "The synergy between the United States and regional entities like Gord can create a powerful force for innovation, knowledge exchange and transformative action. Engaging in constructive dialogue with the US Embassy is a significant starting point for Gord. By working together, we can amplify our efforts and drive meaningful change towards a sustainable future.”Natalie A Baker, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy, said, "We’re very impressed by Dr Yousef and all of the work that Gord and GCC is doing here in Qatar and globally. The United States shares these priorities with Qatar, and we look forward to continuing to work together in partnership. We look forward to collaboration whether it’s to develop trade and investment ties and opportunities in this new space, or to continue to support workshops like the CCUS Forum and different training and conference opportunities.”During the meeting, Gord's leadership presented an overview of the organisation’s ongoing initiatives and achievements in the field of sustainability. The US Embassy representatives expressed keen interest in Gord's expertise, particularly in areas such as green buildings, environmental research, climate finance and sustainability-focused capacity building programmes.The discussions centred around identifying common goals and areas of mutual interest, with a focus on leveraging collective expertise to advance sustainable development efforts. Both parties emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.One of the crucial areas of interest identified during the meeting was green building practices. Qatar has been at the forefront of adopting sustainable building techniques with more than 2,000 green building projects certified under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). Green buildings reduce carbon emissions and minimize resource consumption, making them an essential component of sustainable urban development.Another key point of discussion was climate finance. Access to funding and investment in climate-resilient projects is vital for combating climate change effectively. By collaborating on climate finance initiatives, Gord and the US Embassy can work together to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, and achieve sustainable development goals in line with Qatar's climate commitment.The meeting also emphasised the significance of capacity building programmes in promoting sustainability. These programmes are instrumental in empowering individuals and organisations to make sustainable choices.