By Ghanim al-Sulaiti
Under the slogan ‘We All Belong,’ Doha has won the privilege of hosting the 2030 Asian Games, underlining Qatar’s stated principles of unity, peace and inclusiveness.
It’s an important win for our country in line with The Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030) — a vision towards Qatar becoming an advanced society capable of sustainable development with the goal of providing a high standard of living for all citizens by the year 2030.
Just like our country’s clear plan for a sustainable FIFA World Cup 2022, these massive construction projects are carefully monitored and controlled to minimise the impact on the environment.
For example, all eight FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums are examples of sustainability goals being met for their sustainable design, construction and everyday management.
The goal is to offset all greenhouse gas emissions, while advancing low-carbon solutions in Qatar and the region. A carbon-neutral tournament is set to be delivered through a four-step process: awareness, measurement, reduction and offsetting.
Renewable energy solutions are also popping up all over Doha; solar-powered lighting has already been the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) is researching how cooling systems can be powered by solar panels.
2030 is not just a vision for our country, but it’s a personal goal too. I’m launching ‘Thalatheen’ (the Arabic word for 30) which is rooted in Qatari heritage, while upholding my plant-based passion for ensuring people always have access to healthy, plant-based foods. It will bring people from different backgrounds, age groups and genders together through plant-based food, and it’ll be located at our country’s most iconic landmark that celebrates the history of our land: National Museum of Qatar.
We are witnessing a plant-based foods revolution, and I want to build on that for 2030. Plant-based food and drink is set to continue to grow a higher level each and every year, mostly driven by consumer and investor pressure driven by rising concerns over the impact of our food choices on our health, sustainability, and animal welfare.
Health, provenance, immune resilience, animal welfare and sustainability concerns will take centre stage. This week’s win for 2030 is another win for the health goals of Doha, with international sport becoming a priority for our country, which will in turn enhance the health, wellbeing and wellness themes of Qatar’s future.
* The author is an expert in vegan wellbeing and health. Instagram handle: @Ghanim92
Ghanim al-Sulaiti
