Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie speaking at the event.
Doha, Qatar: The sixth edition of the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change was launched yesterday under the theme “Strengthening Climate Adaptation in Qatar: From Planning to Implementation.”
Organised by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in partnership with Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation, the dialogue brings together representatives from government entities, the private sector, academic and research institutions, as well as a number of experts and specialists.
The dialogue discusses ways to implement the National Climate Adaptation Plan and the challenges associated with its implementation through panel discussions covering six key areas: water; energy and industry; agriculture and food systems; infrastructure and coastal areas; public health; and biodiversity.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, stressed that the current phase requires a shift from developing climate adaptation plans to implementing them and coordinating efforts to achieve tangible results amid the accelerating climate changes taking place around the world.
He said preparing for the impacts of climate change has become an essential part of future planning, protecting resources, strengthening the preparedness of various sectors and preserving the quality of life for future generations.
He explained that Qatar has placed environmental protection and sustainability among its national priorities under the wise leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatar National Vision 2030 has also emphasised the importance of balancing development requirements with environmental and resource protection and safeguarding the rights of future generations.
Executive Director of Earthna Centre Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata speaking during the event.
The Minister noted that preparing the National Climate Adaptation Plan represents an important step in this direction, given the links between climate adaptation, multiple sectors and the country’s development journey. He stressed that implementing the plan requires clearly defining the roles of each entity and establishing mechanisms for cooperation.
He highlighted the interconnected nature of these sectors, noting that water is linked to food, energy to industry, and infrastructure to the ability of cities and coastal areas to withstand the impacts of climate change. Public health is also closely connected to the environment, while biodiversity is essential to the sustainability of natural ecosystems.
Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs at MoECC Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, said the Ministry, in cooperation with Earthna Centre, had ensured that the dialogue sessions were closely linked to the National Climate Adaptation Plan and addressed the needs of relevant entities and the challenges they face during implementation.
He said dedicating discussion sessions to the six areas would allow the specific needs of each sector to be examined in detail, while drawing on the expertise of government entities, the private sector, and academic and research institutions to identify responsibilities and mechanisms for cooperation.
The results will also contribute to preparations for Qatar’s participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).
Executive Director of Earthna Centre Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, said the National Climate Adaptation Plan provides a clear direction for strengthening Qatar’s capacity to address the impacts of climate change.
