Qatar
Sustainability conference mulls measures for Qatar’s transition to circular economy
June 27, 2025 | 10:06 AM
The fifth edition of the Recycling and Sustainability 2025 Conference and Exhibition concluded yesterday. Organised by the Ministry of Municipality, the conference attracted broad participation from government and private entities, local factories, and several international organisations and experts specialising in waste management and sustainability.At the conclusion of the two-day conference, participants recommended several outcomes that would support Qatar’s sustainability efforts and accelerate the transition to a circular economy that promotes innovation and conserves natural resources. The outcomes featured five main themes: education and academic research, recycling construction and demolition waste, extended producer and supplier responsibility, the circular economy path, and waste treatment projects.In the Education and Academic Research axis, participants underlined the importance of promoting environmental awareness and behavioural change through educational curricula and community campaigns, as well as supporting research and innovation in developing new recycling technologies and materials, which contribute to increasing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.In the Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling axis, the conference recommended the use of recycled aggregate to reduce the depletion of natural resources and encourage the production of new materials from waste for use in construction projects. It also recommended promoting a culture of using these materials and emphasising the importance of adhering to the required technical specifications. Regarding the Extended Producer and Supplier Responsibility axis, participants called for adopting practices that ensure product design according to a sustainable life cycle and holding producers and suppliers responsible for managing the waste generated by their products. This enhances environmental accountability and redistributes the financial burden associated with waste disposal.The conference outcomes in the Circular Economy axis also emphasised the need to accelerate innovation in sustainable technologies, expand partnerships with the private sector, and promote the transition from a linear economy based on production and consumption to a circular model that conserves resources and reduces waste.In the waste treatment axis, participants highlighted the importance of transforming waste into a source of wealth by treating it in profitable and environmentally friendly ways, leveraging the latest global experiences and technologies in this field. The conference outcomes align with the State of Qatar’s national efforts to support environmental sustainability and achieve its goals within the framework of the national strategy, enhancing its regional and international standing in the fields of green economy and waste management. In a related context, the conference featured eight main sessions with the participation of more than 50 speakers. They addressed the latest solutions and technologies in waste treatment and mechanisms for supporting the circular economy through innovation, with a focus on recycling construction and demolition waste and promoting the use of recycled materials.The sessions also discussed the role of education and academic research in consolidating the concepts of sustainability, modern recycling technologies, and extended producer responsibility.They also discussed the role of sustainable cities and smart urban planning in supporting efficient waste management.The conference’s accompanying exhibition also witnessed active participation from exhibitors, showcasing the most prominent projects and innovations in the fields of sorting and treatment, along with awareness-raising activities targeting the public to promote environmental culture.It’s worth noting that the conference is being held within the framework of the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and promote the transition to a circular economy that balances economic growth with the protection of natural resources, meeting the aspirations of future generations and cementing the country’s leadership position in sustainability.The conference served as a national and international platform for exchanging expertise across various sectors, with broad participation from government and private institutions, along with a select group of international experts in the fields of recycling and sustainability.
June 27, 2025 | 10:06 AM