Qatar Hosts National Dialogue on Climate Change 2024
Doha, The Gulf Observer: Government officials, business leaders, academics, and researchers gathered at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday for the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2024 (QNDCC 2024), a key event aimed at promoting collaboration and advancing Qatar’s efforts in addressing climate change. The two-day event, organized by Earthna Centre, a member of Qatar Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), is part of Qatar Sustainability Week 2024, which runs from September 28 to October 5.
QNDCC 2024 serves as a crucial platform for shaping both national and international climate policies, highlighting the importance of global cooperation to tackle the growing challenges posed by climate change. Addressing the event, Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie emphasized the significance of unifying national and international efforts, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and developing innovative solutions to combat climate challenges.
“This dialogue contributes to enhancing Qatar’s ability to adapt to these challenges and develop sustainable environmental strategies that benefit both present and future generations,” said Al Subaie.
In a significant development, the MoECC and Earthna launched a series of white papers during the event, focusing on key areas such as leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), promoting green finance, driving policy reform, and fostering international collaboration. These papers aim to guide Qatar and the world in their journey toward achieving environmental sustainability.
Al Subaie praised the participation of various national and international entities, including representatives from the private sector and civil society, as a testament to Qatar’s firm commitment to addressing climate challenges. “The large and diverse participation reflects the importance of dialogue and the need for collective action to address the challenges that affect both present and future generations,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted that this year’s dialogue focuses on themes critical to supporting Qatar’s sustainable development and driving real transformation in tackling climate change. Among the key topics discussed were climate adaptation strategies, environmental and sustainable tourism, and the role of national efforts in addressing climate challenges.
Chairman of the Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, warned of the tangible consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the accelerated loss of biodiversity. Al Attiyah stressed the urgency of a global response, recalling the commitments made at COP28 in 2023 to ensure a sustainable and just energy transition.
“This dialogue is an important step toward a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference,” Al Attiyah said.
Earthna Executive Director Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata hailed the success of the event over the past three years, describing it as a unique platform for exchanging ideas and translating discussions into effective climate action. He called on individuals, organizations, and institutions to recognize their role in addressing climate change and to take decisive measures for a sustainable future.
Aligned with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, this year’s QNDCC is crucial in shaping the country’s climate change response, identifying measures for collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to its impact.
