Qatar Foundation Organizes Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2022

Qatar Foundation

Qatars commitment to reaching net-zero emissions, through public and private sector collaboration, has been highlighted at the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2022, which was opened today in Doha by Qatar Foundations Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future.

The two-day event brought together thought leaders, decision makers and climate change experts from across the countrys 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.

HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmad bin Ali Al-Thani delivered a keynote speech at the event, emphasizing Qatar's importance in 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," HE the Minister added.

His Excellency confirmed that "reflecting the countrys 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".

For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance Dr. Saud Abdullah Al Attiyah touched on the challenges and proposed solutions for issues related to funding initiatives and projects that contributes to mitigating global climate change, and the best global practices and policies in this regard.

In his keynote speech, HE Chairman of the Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah 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 worlds leading producers of liquefied natural gas, Qatar recognizes 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," he stated.

Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, the Executive Director of Earthna, emphasized the 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 first panel discussion focused on Qatars National Action Plan on Climate Change, and explored Qatars priorities and support measures to address the impact of climate change. Technological advancements, green financing and investments and net-zero targets were discussed as part of Qatars 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, as well as net-zero emissions targets, and the challenge of implementing global financial solutions locally. Panel members included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Qatar Free Zones Administration, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

During the event, Deputy General at QFFD Ali Al Debagh 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 scaleable climate change solutions for less developed countries.

The day's final session 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.

(QNA)