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As global efforts intensify to combat climate change, Qatar Foundation continues to lead the charge in embedding sustainability into the nation’s education, research, and community life. In an exclusive interview with *Gulf Times, Dr Nawal Al Sulaiti, Sustainability Manager at Qatar Foundation, discusses how QF is advancing environmental stewardship and shaping a sustainable future for Qatar, one that aligns seamlessly with the Qatar National Vision 2030. How does Qatar Foundation’s approach to sustainability align with the broader objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030? Dr Al Sulaiti: Qatar Foundation’s sustainability approach is deeply aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its pillars of environmental development and human development. QF integrates sustainability across its operations, education, and community life, not as a separate goal, but as a way of living and working. **media[380215]** Our initiatives focus on building environmental awareness, reducing carbon footprint, promoting research and innovation, and nurturing a culture of responsibility among the community. In this way, we contribute directly to the national goal of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation for future generations. Could you highlight some of the key sustainability achievements within Education City that have had a measurable impact? Dr Al Sulaiti: Education City serves as a living model of sustainable urban development. Some notable achievements include its green building standards, with many buildings across Education City being LEED-certified, demonstrating energy and water efficiency. In addition, sustainable mobility has been enhanced through the introduction of the Education City Tram, which significantly reduces carbon emissions by providing a clean, electric transportation alternative. This system, the first battery-operated tram charged by pantographs, has already reduced gas emissions by 10% and air pollution by 20%. It serves more than 100,000 passengers a month and has surpassed four million journeys since launch. **media[380216]** Education City has also implemented recycling and waste reduction programs, including waste segregation, composting of organic material, and resource reuse, leading to a measurable decrease in landfill waste. Furthermore, water and energy optimization initiatives, such as smart irrigation systems and renewable energy projects, have reduced consumption across facilities. Collectively, these efforts demonstrate tangible progress toward a greener campus and community. QF’s sustainability commitment has even earned recognition as a ‘Climate Conscious’ organisation by South Pole, and its carbon-neutral initiatives set a regional benchmark. What role does innovation play in QF’s efforts to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community? Dr Al Sulaiti: Innovation is at the heart of QF’s sustainability strategy. Through our research institutes, universities, and community programs, we drive innovative solutions to environmental challenges, from water and energy management to sustainable food systems. **media[380217]** For example, partnerships with the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) have enabled the piloting of renewable technologies and advanced environmental monitoring systems across Education City. This includes deploying multiple air-quality stations to track gas levels and develop mitigation measures that help reduce CO₂ emissions, particularly in parking areas. Similarly, community-driven initiatives such as urban farming projects, including QF’s Park and Plant program, aim to densify and beautify Education City while engaging the community in greening efforts, demonstrating how creativity can translate into everyday sustainable practices. Beyond Education City, QF’s innovation hubs are achieving global impact. Projects such as the Solar Carbon Black Project, developed with Texas A&M University at Qatar and Fraunhofer IWS, are creating clean industrial processes that produce high-grade carbon without greenhouse gas emissions. The Distributed Solar Smart-Grid System, meanwhile, enables real-time monitoring and optimisation of solar energy generation across QF facilities, enhancing efficiency and resilience. How do initiatives like the micro farms contribute to fostering environmental awareness and community engagement? Dr Al Sulaiti: The micro farms are a practical example of sustainability in action. They connect students, staff, and the wider community with nature and local food systems. Through hands-on participation, individuals learn about composting, water conservation, and sustainable food production. These spaces foster environmental awareness, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility, inspiring behavioral change by showing that sustainability begins with small, everyday actions that collectively make a big difference. **media[380218]** Teaching students about planting and home composting in the micro farm greenhouse helps them develop practical skills that they can share with their families and friends. Moreover, the outdoor community garden, where families enjoy growing their own vegetables and donating a portion to families in need, nurtures social responsibility, empathy, and community collaboration. In what ways is QF working to instill sustainability values among students, researchers, and residents within Education City? Dr Al Sulaiti: QF integrates sustainability into the very fabric of learning and campus life. For students, environmental education is embedded into both curricula and extracurricular activities, nurturing future leaders who value responsible living. For researchers, QF supports projects addressing local and global sustainability challenges, from energy and water management to biodiversity conservation. For residents, initiatives such as green living workshops, recycling campaigns, and community gardens engage families and residents in sustainable practices. A key example is Green Island, Qatar’s first and only sustainability education hub. It encompasses all aspects of sustainability, from recycling and upcycling (in partnership with Ashghal), to solar energy (with Qatar Energy), water and energy conservation (with Kahramaa), and hydroponic farming (with Agrico). **media[380219]** This project serves as a national showcase of Qatar’s green efforts and a living example of environmental collaboration in action. It also acts as a catalyst for behavioral change by providing hands-on workshops that empower individuals to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. How does QF collaborate with partners or local organisations to advance sustainability across Qatar? Dr Al Sulaiti: Collaboration is central to our impact. QF works with government entities, academic institutions, private companies, and community organisations to share expertise and scale sustainability solutions. Partnerships with the Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, Ehsan, Al Shafallah Center, and others help align national efforts toward sustainable living. Together, we promote best practices in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and environmental education, amplifying QF’s impact beyond Education City. **media[380220]** QF also partners internationally through initiatives like the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, which co-developed Qatar’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) and restored 40 hectares of mangroves across the country. Earthna’s 2025 Summit brought together over 15,000 participants from 150 countries, reinforcing Qatar’s leadership in sustainability for arid environments. Looking ahead, what are QF’s main priorities or upcoming projects aimed at reducing environmental impact or promoting green living? Dr Al Sulaiti: Looking forward, QF is focusing on expanding circular economy initiatives, enhancing renewable energy integration, and promoting sustainable food systems. Upcoming projects include increasing the use of solar energy across facilities, expanding green mobility through electric vehicles and improved cycling infrastructure, and developing new community engagement programs that encourage waste reduction and resource sharing. **media[380221]** Our flagship project, Green Island, exemplifies QF’s circular economy approach. Spanning over 8,000 square meters, it is Qatar’s first community-centric recycling hub and a national model for sustainability education. Built from 95 repurposed shipping containers and partially powered by 100kW of on-site solar energy, it includes six recycling streams, for paper, plastic, aluminum, e-waste, batteries, and organic waste, as well as vertical farms capable of producing 15 tons of vegetables annually for local consumption. It also features research labs, educational exhibits, and a 3D printing lab that uses recycled materials. Through entities like QEERI, QF continues to pioneer renewable energy solutions, including the Distributed Solar Smart-Grid System that enables real-time solar monitoring and optimisation, and collaborative projects such as the Solar Carbon Black Project, which converts natural gas into high-grade carbon without greenhouse gas emissions. **media[380222]** In parallel, Earthna, QF’s policy and advocacy platform for sustainability, is implementing Qatar’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) and leading large-scale restoration of over 40 hectares of mangroves, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a leader in sustainability for hot and arid environments. Ultimately, QF’s future vision is to build a carbon-neutral, resource-efficient Education City that serves as a living laboratory for sustainable innovation, a model that aligns with Qatar’s ambition to build a sustainable, post-hydrocarbon future.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) confirmed that the consequences of climate change have already displaced millions of people worldwide.In a report released ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, the UNHCR said that over the past decade, weather-related disasters have caused approximately 250 million internal displacements - equivalent to more than 67,000 displacements every day.The report explained that three-quarters of those displaced by conflict live in countries particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, citing floods in South Sudan and Brazil, record-breaking temperatures in Kenya and Pakistan, and water shortages in Chad and Ethiopia.The report added that climate change exacerbates and compounds the challenges faced by those already displaced, as well as their host communities, especially in fragile and conflict-affected situations.According to the UNHCR, only a quarter of the funds available for adapting to the consequences of climate change reach countries threatened by conflict, which often host large numbers of refugees. The annual UN climate conference, known as COP30, is often used as a platform for poorer countries to demand more funding from wealthier nations to adapt to increasingly harsh climate conditions."If we want stability, we must invest where people are most at risk. To prevent further displacement, climate financing needs to reach the communities already living on the edge", said Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. Grandi urged participants at the climate conference to deliver on their promises, saying, "this COP must deliver real action, not empty promises." Some 50,000 participants from more than 190 countries are gathering in the Brazilian city of Belem, in the Amazon rainforest, for two weeks of talks beginning later today. They will discuss how to curb the climate crisis and its devastating effects.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department organised a beach cleanup initiative at Umm Bab, as part of a series of environmental campaigns carried out throughout the year. The initiative seeks to encourage the participation of the local community, volunteer groups, and institutions in national efforts to reduce marine pollution and maintain the beauty of beaches. The ministry emphasised that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all members of society.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change showcased Qatar’s experience in planning and implementing climate change adaptation strategies at a dialogue session titled “Responses to Climate Change Adaptation and New Support Structures”, held as part of Global Green Growth Week 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. The ministry was represented at the session by Head of the Climate Change Mitigation Section at the Climate Change Department, Mohammed Omar al-Badr. He presented to the participants the most prominent successful national experiences and practices implemented by Qatar in the field of national climate change adaptation planning, as well as its ongoing efforts to build capacity and enhance the resilience of vital sectors most affected by climate events. Al-Badr also addressed the lessons learned from Qatar’s experience in developing and implementing adaptation strategies, emphasising the importance of co-operation between the public and private sectors to achieve national goals in the areas of sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate change. He affirmed that Qatar continues to adopt innovative policies and initiatives to support the green economy and promote sustainable investments, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The Global Green Growth Week is one of the most prominent international platforms for discussing environmental challenges and reviewing solutions and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development. It witnesses broad participation from representatives of governments, international organisations, research institutions, and experts in the fields of environment, energy, and green finance.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the meetings of the 36th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, hosted by the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. The Qatari delegation to the meetings was headed by HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, who affirmed in his address Qatar’s unwavering commitment to supporting joint Arab environmental efforts and strengthening regional and international co-operation to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and protect natural resources for the benefit of future generations. On the sidelines of the session, HE the minister held meetings with a number of ministers and heads of participating bodies. He discussed with them aspects of environmental co-operation, co-ordinating Arab positions in international forums, and prospects for partnership in regional and international initiatives aimed at combating desertification and addressing the challenges associated with drought, particularly in developing countries.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), in cooperation with Qatar Youth Hostels and the Friends of the Environment Center (FEC) affiliated with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, organised a series of training workshops at the headquarters of the FEC. This initiative comes as part of the preparations for the annual Youth Support Camp programme, aiming to enhance environmental awareness among young people and introduce them to the scientific and technical principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard, one of Qatar’s important environmental symbols. The workshops included three main training sessions, covering various topics such as: the basic scientific and technical principles of breeding Houbara bustard in captivity; the importance of preserving biodiversity in nature reserves; sustainable environmental care methods; and the role of youth in protecting wildlife. Mohamed bin Nahar al-Nuaimi, director of the External Reserves Office at the MoECC, affirmed that organising these workshops comes within the efforts to promote environmental awareness and spread a culture of sustainability among young people. “Introducing the new generation to the fundamental principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard represents an important step in instilling the concept of environmental responsibility and highlighting national efforts to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity,” he explained. Al-Nuaimi pointed out that through these training programmes, the ministry seeks to enable young men and women to gain knowledge of modern scientific methods for bird breeding and environmental preservation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places sustainable development at the heart of its goals. He added that the External Reserves Office will continue organising specialised training and awareness programmes and events to enhance community participation in environmental protection and to instill the values of conserving natural resources among all segments of society, especially youth.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Department of Land Protection in cooperation with the Environmental Security Unit of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), has carried out a surprise inspection campaign in various sites in the northern region of the country. During the campaign, an unlicensed bird-hunting shelter that had been set up in violation of applicable environmental regulations was detected and removed. This action is part of the ministry’s measures to address any practices that harm the environment or distort the public landscape. The campaign is part of a series of periodic field inspections conducted by the ministry to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations, as well as to preserve vegetation cover and biodiversity across different regions of the country, supporting Qatar’s environmental sustainability goals.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) participated in the Global Green Growth Week 2025 in Seoul, South Korea, through a dialogue session entitled "Challenges and Opportunities for Adaptation from a National Perspective." The session was organized by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and included a select group of experts and decision-makers from around the world.The Ministry was represented at the session by Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, who highlighted Qatar's efforts in adapting to climate change and the measures the country is adopting to mitigate its effects and enhance its ability to address environmental challenges.Al Sada noted that Qatar, through its National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, places great importance on adaptation as a key pillar of its climate action. He emphasized that international cooperation and the exchange of expertise are essential for achieving sustainable development and balancing economic growth with environmental protection.The Ministry's participation in this event comes within the framework of its keenness to support global efforts to confront climate change, and to enhance the presence of the State of Qatar in international forums concerned with environmental issues and sustainable development.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the work of the 26th meeting of the Technical Committee for Environment, affiliated with the Council of Arab Ministers in Charge of Environmental Affairs, held in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott.The meeting was part of the ongoing preparations for the 36th session of the Council of Arab Ministers and Heads of Environmental Authorities, scheduled for Oct. 30 in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, with the participation of delegations representing member states and regional and international organizations concerned with environmental issues.The technical meeting discussed the follow-up on the implementation of the decisions issued by the Council of Arab Ministers in Charge of Environmental Affairs in its previous sessions, and reviewed joint Arab initiatives in the areas of environmental protection and sustainable development, which constituted an important milestone in the course of joint Arab environmental action.The meeting was an opportunity to coordinate positions and visions in preparation for upcoming international environmental agreements, particularly the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) and the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to be held in Belem, Brazil.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the 45th Meeting of Undersecretaries Responsible for Environmental Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Kuwait.The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud.During the meeting, a number of environmental topics were discussed, most notably ways to enhance cooperation between GCC countries in the areas of environmental protection, combating climate change, and sustainable management of natural resources.The meeting concluded with a set of recommendations for presentation at the 27th meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs.The State of Qatar's participation affirmed its commitment to strengthening joint Gulf environmental action and supporting regional efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), represented by the Radiation Control Department, announced the accreditation of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) as an international collaborative centre, the "Anchor Center," in radiation medicine.This achievement is the result of close and ongoing cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department, and HMC, as part of joint efforts to develop peaceful applications of nuclear technology in healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to further scientific and medical progress for the benefit of Qatari society and humanity as a whole.Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MoECC Yousef al-Hamar emphasised that the accreditation of HMC as an international collaborative centre with the IAEA is a major achievement that adds to Qatar's distinguished record in the areas of international cooperation and the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It also reflects the great confidence that the country's institutions enjoy among specialised international organisations.Al-Hamar pointed out that this fruitful cooperation highlights Qatar's commitment to empowering its national cadres and building human capacity in the fields of radiology and radiation control, through research, training, and professional development programmes, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 towards sustainable human and health development.He indicated that this achievement represents international recognition of the competence of Qatari national cadres and the advanced infrastructure the country possesses in the field of radiation and medical applications. It also reflects Qatar's unwavering commitment to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and its contribution to enhancing the health sector's capabilities in diagnosing and treating cancer according to the latest international standards.This accreditation is a significant national achievement that enhances Qatar's position in the fields of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment, as part of the "Rays of Hope" initiative launched by the IAEA to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients, particularly in developing countries. (QNA)###OPT TRIMThis achievement comes within the framework of the practical arrangements signed between the Ministry of Public Health and IAEA in November 2023, during the visit of the IAEA's deputy director general and head of the department of technical cooperation Hua Liu to Doha, which will contribute to strengthening the advanced healthcare system in the country.This event embodies Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to combat cancer and affirms its active role in providing specialised medical expertise and services at the regional and global levels.This also reflects the close cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department — as the national point of contact with the IAEA and relevant state institutions — in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals and developing national capabilities in the fields of radiation medicine and peaceful nuclear technology, thus consolidating Qatar's position in supporting international initiatives aimed at employing nuclear technologies to serve humanity. (QNA)

The United Nations marks World Statistics Day on October 20 each year, underscoring the vital role that accurate statistics and reliable data play in accelerating global progress and shaping the future. Since its inception, statistics have formed the backbone of international efforts to address global challenges — from maintaining peace and promoting sustainable development to combating climate change and improving public health.The global statistical community — comprising national and international statistical agencies — stands as a model of international cooperation, bringing together experts from around the world to emphasize the centrality of data-driven policymaking.Accurate data enable governments, institutions, and individuals to understand societal complexities, identify priorities, and make informed decisions that advance development goals. The United Nations affirms that evidence-based knowledge is the cornerstone of sound policy formulation and measurable results.Governments and organizations rely on statistical data to assess conditions in fields such as the economy, health, education, and population. Reliable data help identify actual needs, guide the allocation of financial and human resources, and increase the effectiveness of development planning. Without accurate data, planning becomes guesswork and progress uncertain.Statistics also enhance transparency and accountability by enabling performance monitoring and measuring progress toward national and global development goals. They provide tools to evaluate success, detect shortcomings, and make timely adjustments to ensure that goals remain on track.Experts stress that statistics are crucial for tracking progress on key priorities such as reducing poverty, improving education quality, and strengthening infrastructure. They enhance public trust by providing clear and transparent information, reinforcing accountability, and enabling citizens and the international community to evaluate performance objectively.Reliable statistics are also indispensable to scientific research, which drives innovation and helps develop effective solutions to complex challenges in health, agriculture, industry, and the environment. In the face of global crises — such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty — the exchange of accurate data remains essential for coordinating international efforts and formulating effective global strategies.Statistical data likewise underpin key sectors of development. Economic data support market analysis, fiscal and monetary policy formulation, and job creation strategies. In health, data help monitor disease patterns, plan vaccination campaigns, and improve medical services. In education, they guide efforts to raise achievement levels and target support to the most vulnerable groups. Socially, statistics are instrumental in identifying inequalities and directing programs that promote justice, equality, and poverty reduction. The State of Qatar attaches great importance to the role of statistics in supporting national development and building institutional capacity. In this context, the Statistical Training and Data Center of the National Planning Council (NPC), in cooperation with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, organized in September a specialized training program titled "Economic Statistics for Managers: From Data to Decisions."The initiative forms part of a broader series of programs implemented by the Center to strengthen national competencies and enable government leaders in economic sectors to utilize data and statistics effectively in policymaking.At the conclusion of the program, Hessa Ali Al Maliki, Director of the Statistical Training and Data Center, affirmed that the initiative represents a key step toward enhancing the capabilities of national leaders in the field of economic statistics and data. She noted that the Center is committed to applying international best practices and creating a practical learning environment that supports skills development and raises efficiency at the national level, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Alanoud Ali Al Maadid, Head of the Department of Finance and Economics at Qatar University, emphasized that statistics serve as a fundamental tool of development, as accurate data guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and the prioritization of national goals. She explained that evidence-based data enable the measurement of progress and the adjustment of policies in an objective and transparent manner.Dr. Al Maadid pointed out that the absence of reliable statistics in areas such as infrastructure, economy, and trade often results in decisions based on intuition rather than evidence, leading to wasted resources, misdirected projects, and weak evaluation of growth and employment indicators. She added that investor confidence tends to decline when access to credible information is limited.She also highlighted the importance of statistical data in mitigating natural risks and climate-related events, including earthquakes, heavy rainfall, floods, and rising temperatures. Historical and climate data, she noted, help identify natural patterns, develop risk maps, design early warning systems, and adopt more resilient building codes. Accurate data are equally essential in post-disaster response, facilitating effective relief operations, damage assessment, and reconstruction planning.Regarding the institutions responsible for statistical operations, Dr. Al Maadid stated that national statistical agencies remain the main source of official data. She underlined the importance of professionalism, independence, transparency, and confidentiality, along with the adoption of standardized classifications and methodologies that ensure comparability. She affirmed that reliable statistics constitute the foundation for sound public policies and sustainable development in Qatar.Dr. Al Maadid added that international cooperation plays a significant role in promoting the exchange of data and expertise, harmonizing methodologies, and improving the accuracy of global comparisons, thereby enhancing the quality of indicators and supporting evidence-based policymaking.She noted that despite the growing importance of statistics, several challenges persist, including shortages of qualified personnel, limited funding, restricted data access, and low response rates in some field surveys. She called for continued investment in technological infrastructure, greater utilization of big data with privacy safeguards, and the reinforcement of professional independence to ensure data quality and credibility.Experts around the world share similar views, emphasizing that the lack of financial and technical resources, weak institutional capacities, and inconsistent data standards in some regions hinder the availability of reliable statistics. They agree that trustworthy data form the backbone of any successful development process, transforming national visions into actionable plans that enhance well-being and drive sustainable progress. Strengthening statistical systems, enhancing institutional capabilities, and ensuring the reliability of data remain essential pillars for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.