Doha, Qatar: The third annual Qatar National Dialogue for Climate Change (QNDCC) concluded yesterday after two days of conversations by international experts, leaders, and stakeholders to address climate change mitigation, adaptation, and challenges.
QNDCC was hosted by Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna) – a member of Qatar Foundation – and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Qatar, the French Business Council in Qatar, and Qatar National Bank (QNB) as a strategic partner.
After the first day deliberations which saw Minister of Environment and Climate Change, H E Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani open the conference, dialogues centred on “Innovations in Climate Change”, with expert comments from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar University.
The second session of the opening day also explored the need for economic diversification and sustainable transition for Qatar’s economy. Experts and leaders discussed strategies for diversification in line with global sustainability goals and Qatar National Vision 2030, focusing on green finance, renewable energy, eco-friendly urban planning, and circular economy integration. It ended with a session to address clean water access and food security in Qatar, seeking sustainable solutions through innovative strategies, efficient water management, local agriculture, and climate change adaptation.
On the opening day, Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Earthna, emphasized the importance of facilitating multisectoral discussion in addressing the climate crisis.
Day two of QNDCC focused on three critical topics at the intersection of climate action and sustainable development. In the session titled “Sustainable Transportation – Public Transport Infrastructure, Alternative Fuels, EVs and Logistics”, experts explored electric vehicle adoption, public transport infrastructure and integration, and the need for “greening” logistics to reduce emissions and enhance urban liveability.
The “AI Solutions to Combat Climate Change” session saw AI researchers and organisational experts discuss AI’s potential in automated data collection, climate modelling, renewable energy optimization, and disaster response while addressing ethical considerations in AI deployment for climate action.
The event’s final session, titled “Green & Sustainable Finance Products and Investments,” discussed innovative financial products and investment strategies, such as green bonds and sustainable investment funds, to mobilize capital for environmentally impactful projects.
These discussions aimed to inspire collaborations and investments in transformative solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future, aligning with climate goals and fostering economic growth. Panellists included representatives from QNB and HBKU.
The outcomes from QNDCC regarding Qatar’s future climate action strategies will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s collective approach to the issue of sustainability at the local and international levels. Locally, the takeaways will inform and develop sustainability and environmentally focused policies and best practices.
At a global level, they will inform Qatar’s participation in the upcoming annual UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28), scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in December.
