Participants listening to experts during the panel discussion.
DOHA: The Al-Attiyah Foundation and Qatar Museums hosted a high-level panel discussion exploring the future of climate resilience and the energy transition in rural landscapes, yesterday. The event, held at Qatar Preparatory School (QPS), formed part of Qatar Museums’ groundbreaking exhibition, “Countryside: A Place to Live, Not to Leave,” which reimagines the countryside as a centre for sustainability, innovation, and future living.
The panel brought together three leading experts whose diverse perspectives set the tone for a rigorous and forward-looking conversation. Alan Gelder, Vice President for Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie, drew on his extensive experience in global downstream research and energy-sector analysis. Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future at Qatar Foundation, contributed deep insights from decades of environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability leadership.
Howard Bevan, Director of Energy at the Al-Attiyah Foundation, offered regional context grounded in his long-standing work on energy economics, risk management, and LNG-related planning across the Middle East.
Moderated by esteemed broadcaster Nawied Jabarkhyl, the session explored how renewable deployment, decentralised energy systems, and low-carbon technologies can enable sustainable and prosperous rural communities. Discussions also highlighted the ways in which innovative technologies, localised energy solutions, and cross-sector collaboration can support rural communities that are increasingly vulnerable to climate change pressures.
The dialogue resonated strongly with the themes of the Countryside: A Place to Live, Not to Leave exhibition, which spans regions from Africa to China and challenges dominant urban narratives by showcasing the countryside as a vital and dynamic space.
The exhibition’s focus on rural sustainability, ecological balance, and future-oriented innovation, provided an ideal platform for addressing how energy systems can help unlock new opportunities for rural communities in Qatar and worldwide.
Both Qatar Museums and the Al-Attiyah Foundation share a long-standing commitment to promoting environmental stewardship, informed debate, and public engagement.
