Public and private sector entities gathered to discuss Qatar’s efforts and promote collaboration in tackling climate change at the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2022, which was opened in Doha by Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future.
The two-day event brought together thought leaders, decision makers and climate change experts from across the country’s public and private sectors, to drive discussion and action on how Qatar can continue to pursue sustainable development in the context of global climate challenges. It is being co-hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), and in partnership with the Al-Attiyah Foundation.
His Excellency Sheikh Dr Faleh Bin Nasser Bin Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, delivered a keynote speech at the event, emphasizing the importance that Qatar places on tackling climate change. “Protecting the environment and supporting sustainable development has always been a top priority for Qatar,” he stated.
“As one of the first countries to ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1996, Qatar has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.”
His Excellency added that, reflecting the country’s commitments to combat climate change on a local and global scale, the National Climate Change Action Plan and Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy have been launched.
In his keynote speech, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Chairman of the Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, and Former Deputy Prime Minister, said: “Climate change continues to pose a threat to the global economy, at a time when the world is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As one of the world’s leading producers of liquefied natural gas, Qatar recognises the important role it can play in the fight against global warming. The Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change will provide valuable insights on how the country can contribute to the global effort to build a sustainable energy future.”
The event was formally opened by Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Earthna, who emphasized importance of collaboratively building knowledge and engaging in discourse to address climate change challenges.
“The event is a forum to exchange ideas and experiences and to promote dialogue regarding climate change – building understanding and driving action,” he said.
The Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC) 2022 aims to support the climate change preparedness of Qatar’s industries, businesses, communities, and policymakers by discussing international insights, case studies, policies, industrial solutions, and academic research, and exploring the benefit and influence these can have locally. The outputs from the sessions will provide learnings and direction ahead of Qatar’s participation in the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP27), which will be held in November 2022 in Egypt.
The first panel discussion focused on Qatar’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, and explored Qatar’s priorities and support measures to address the impact of climate change. Technological advancements, green financing and investments were discussed as part of Qatar’s efforts towards tackling climate change, as well as the importance of coordination between the public and private sectors.
Session two saw the panel debate how financing initiatives and projects can help to mitigate global climate change. Participants reflected on global best practices and policies, focusing on green financing and investments led by investor demands, and the challenge of implementing global financial solutions locally. Panel members included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Qatar Free Zones Administration, HSBC, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).
During the event, Ali Al Debagh, Deputy General at QFFD announced the launch of the QFFD Sustainability Awards, in partnership with QF. The awards will focus on recognizing the efforts of local organizations in mitigating climate change, through the development of tangible and scalable climate change solutions for less developed countries.
The final session of the day examined how intergovernmental coordination and collaboration between ministries, private sector, research and development organizations and education institutions is helping Qatar achieve its climate change goals.
QNDCC is featuring insights and best practice presented by international academics and experts, and panel discussions on climate change measurement, reporting and verification, and international climate finance solutions.
