Seminar on sanitation to Mark World Cleanup Day

The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Public Services Affairs Sector, yesterday organised a dialogue seminar on sanitation as the responsibility of all, as part of the activities observing World Cleanup Day.The seminar was intended to shine a spotlight on the criticality of sanitation as a national value and communal culture, in addition to fostering partnership between government agencies, the private sector, and civil society so as to promote this culture through dialogue, sharing expertise, and pitching successful initiatives.Public sanitation is a national priority and a civilised conduct that demonstrates the tenets of Qatari society, said Assistant Undersecretary for Public Services Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, Eng Abdullah Ahmed al-Karani, before stressing the importance of having an all-hands-on-deck approach on the part of community members to preserve the environment and enhance life quality across Qatari areas.He pointed out that marking this event is an opportunity to renew commitment to sanitation values, respect public places, and appreciate the efforts of those operating in this critical field.Participants at the seminar emphasised that sanitation is a collective responsibility that requires a whole-of-government approach in collaboration with civil society and the private sector. They called for further practical initiatives to ingrain the notion of sanitation in the community, thereby backing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Qatar National Vision 2030.HE Member of the Shura Council, Khalid bin Abas Kamal al-Emadi, underlined the importance of enacting legislations and regulations that promote positive conduct and impose corporate social responsibility to maintain public sanitation.Assistant Director of the Command and Control Center at Diar Qatar Company, Eman al-Fadala, noted the role undertaken by the private sector in backing national initiatives in connection with sanitation through investing in smart solutions and sustainable technologies to enhance the urban environment.It is important to consolidate sanitation values within families and the community alike, as part and parcel of moral and religious education, in addition to inculcating these values in young people, said Dr Ayesh al-Qahtani, Islamic Preacher and Expert in Family Relations.For his part, Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, environmental expert and international ambassador for social responsibility, highlighted the current environmental challenges.All efforts of institutions and the community should be energised to reinforce sustainability and protect the environment through daily responsible behaviours, he added.Director of Public Sanitation Administration at the Ministry of Municipality, Mugbel al-Shammari, elaborated on the ministry's efforts in advancing awareness campaigns and enhancing field services to ensure a sanitised and secure environment.Overall, the seminar was structured into key themes, foremost of which were the Ministry's efforts in improving services and mobilizing awareness campaigns, families' role in promoting sanitation behaviours, in addition to the private sector's contributions in supporting environmental sustainability and demonstrating the role of corporate social responsibility in environmental protection. (QNA)