Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) 2017, organised by Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) with a number of activities, was launched by HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi.
Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, QSW 2017 is a week-long event running until November 4.
As part of QSW 2017, QGBC launched the third edition of the Qatar Green Building Conference held under the patronage of Qatar Foundation (QF) vice-chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The opening ceremony of the conference was attended by a number of dignitaries including HE Sheikha Hind, Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development chairman HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, HE al-Rumaihi, HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, QGBC chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi, and Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari.
Opening the conference, HE al-Rumaihi said that the green initiatives provide the people of Qatar several opportunities for nurturing a sustainable society. “Collective efforts such as private-public partnerships are essential for sustainability in the country. Sustainable environment and promotion of environmental activities will lead to achieving the global sustainability goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030,” said HE al-Rumaihi.
QGBC director Meshal al-Shamari said, “The effectiveness of Qatar Sustainability Week 2017 is determined by the active participation of the various partners from both the private and public sectors. QSW 2017 has more than 70 partners and 150 events.”
“This initiative plays a crucial role in raising awareness among the wider community, while showcasing the incredible milestones Qatar has reached in the areas of sustainability and green buildings. We are honoured to have the backing of all the supporting partners and look forward to welcoming Qatar’s residents to the variety of events taking place throughout the week,” he added.
QF's Community Development president Machaille al-Naimi addressed the gathering at the opening session and highlighted the importance of the Green Building Conference and the need for partnership between academic institutes and the industry to highlight the importance of sustainability. She also spoke about the need for raising awareness on sustainable activities.
The two-day conference brings together industry leaders and sustainability experts to address and showcase their innovative solutions to Qatar’s and the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. The conference features a range of sessions covering three inclusive themes: ‘Future Sustainable Cities’, ‘Green Business is Good Business’, and ‘Sustainability as a Lifestyle’.
QSW is designed to actively engage Qatar’s public and private sector organisations in a wide range of sustainability-oriented activities. The event aims to foster a culture of sustainability among residents and visitors, as well as to promote engagement from members of the community.
During the opening session, a number of agreements were signed between QGBC and and several organisations that were added as partners of the QGBC loyalty programme Green Life that was launched last year. There also an exhibition along with the conference that highlights a number of sustainable activities
QSW 2017 will host a number of activities, including a bridge-building competition, a photography competition, and a beach and desert clean-up, as well as the renowned Qatar Sustainability Awards.
