During a workshop on the upcoming climate negotiations at COP29, HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change reviews Qatar’s efforts to address climate challenges
In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change organized a workshop on climate change today, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, titled “Rising to the Challenge of Climate Change,” in collaboration with the Global Institute for Green Growth, and attended by representatives from various international bodies, organizations, and academic researchers.
The workshop included several sessions that discussed upcoming climate negotiations and the key points of the COP29 conference, scheduled to be held in November 2024 in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In his opening speech at the workshop, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to reaching a collective international agreement to tackle climate change through communication and coordination with other countries and international organizations. He highlighted Qatar’s efforts in confronting climate change over more than a quarter of a century, including ratifying the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1996, as well as hosting the eighteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP18) with significant international participation and attendance.
Qatar’s international efforts also encompassed contributing to the success of negotiations for the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015. It was among the first countries to sign this agreement. Additionally, Qatar hosted the Doha Carbon and Energy Forum, where international experts convened to develop recommendations on public policies regarding climate change, alternative energy, and carbon capture and storage.
He also highlighted Qatar’s national efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including the launch of the National Environmental and Climate Change Strategy, the National Climate Change Action Plan 2030, and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which are climate action plans aimed at reducing emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change. He emphasized that these plans and strategies outline many significant steps to work towards sustainable development, contributing to achieving a balance between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
In concluding his speech, he reiterated that the workshop stems from the humanitarian and international responsibility felt by Qatar to enhance participants’ understanding of global climate challenges. The workshop serves to discuss key issues that will be addressed in upcoming climate change negotiations, providing an ideal opportunity for exchanging ideas and experiences.
In a parallel context, Engineer Ahmed Mohamed Al Sadah, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, emphasized that the workshop aims to enhance the capacities of stakeholders in various entities, contributing to their understanding of the fundamental concepts of the international climate system and the proceedings of the Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Engineer Al Sadah also noted that the workshop addressed Qatar’s efforts in building a sustainable future through the collective efforts of all national entities and contributions to various projects and initiatives related to climate change. These efforts effectively contribute to the international arena. He expressed appreciation for all workshop participants and supporters of its themes, which enriched the discussions and led to recommendations that contribute to crystallizing the vision and objectives of all parties to deal optimally with climate change issues and mitigate its impacts.
Mr. Mamadou Tonkara, Regional Director of the Global Green Growth Institute for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized the constructive cooperation between the Institute and the State of Qatar, which is one of the founding members of the Institute. He pointed out that the Institute seeks to enhance Qatar’s regional and global standing as a champion of green growth.
Mr. Tonkara highlighted the significant role of this workshop and its ability to enhance the capacity of public officials regarding the fundamental concepts of the international climate system. He emphasized that the workshop is part of a capacity-building initiative launched by the Global Green Growth Institute as part of its collaboration program with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on climate change and green growth.
The workshop was attended by Engineer Ahmed Mohamed Al Sadah, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs; Mr. Mamadou Tonkara, Regional Director of the Global Green Growth Institute; Mr. Kenichiro Yamaguchi, Director of Research at the Energy and Sustainability Division, Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI); Dr. Amr Osama Abdelaziz, CEO of Integral Consult; Mr. Jabrú Jimbér Andalio, Regional Head of the Global Green Growth Institute; and Ms. Leila Drouiche, Head of Climate Negotiations and Diplomatic Perspectives at the Climate Group (PCG).
