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The Al Jazeera Media Institute (AJMI) organised a "Young Entrepreneurs" course to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking in children and introduce them to the fundamentals of project planning and transforming ideas into viable projects through a practical learning experience, AJMI announced on its website.Sixteen young people participated in the course, working as a team. They were divided into three groups that established three startup companies, simulating a real-world entrepreneurial environment.The participants demonstrated a high level of engagement and commitment throughout the programme, along with a remarkable ability to learn and apply their knowledge practically. This was evident in the final business presentation, where the children introduced their projects to visitors and a judging panel, showcasing real-world examples of ideas they had developed themselves.**media[396400]**Several participants expressed enthusiasm and pride in their experience. Saad al-Mahmoud said that the course taught him the basics of project planning and how to launch a real business idea. He noted that his participation in the business exhibition was a unique experience, during which he felt proud to present his project.Fatima Saud al-Dulaimi explained that the course helped her to present her idea confidently and plan her project step by step. She considered her participation in the business exhibition on the final day, and presenting her project to the public, a pivotal moment in her experience.The course instructor, Dr Rania al-Jamal, emphasised that teaching entrepreneurship to children goes beyond simply starting a business. It includes building confidence, developing creative thinking, and teaching them how to turn ideas into reality.She noted that what the participants demonstrated during the course reflects the importance of early investment in children's minds as an investment in the future. 

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) on Saturday organized the closing workshop for the preliminary assessment project of the Minamata Convention on Mercury in the State of Qatar. This was done in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention, with the participation of several relevant national entities.The workshop aimed to review the final results of the project, which included preparing the initial national inventory of mercury and its compounds, estimating national emissions across various sectors, and assessing the legislative and regulatory framework for mercury management in the country.The preliminary assessment of the Minamata Convention falls within the framework of the State of Qatar's efforts to identify sources of mercury emissions, evaluate and develop laws regulating its management, build institutional capacity among relevant authorities and stakeholders, assess the associated health and environmental impacts, and develop national strategies to reduce its risks.The workshop program included a presentation of the project's outputs, encompassing the estimation of emissions and releases into the air, water, and soil, and the identification of gaps in relevant national laws and regulations. It also addressed future steps for developing a comprehensive national mercury management program that aligns with the requirements of the Minamata Convention and international best practices.The workshop further highlighted the efforts of participating national entities in collecting data and providing the necessary information for preparing the national inventory. This reflects the level of coordination and institutional integration among the entities responsible for managing chemicals and hazardous waste.The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change emphasized that organizing this workshop reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to international agreements, particularly the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the State acceded to by Decree No. (14) of 2021. The Ministry also stressed the importance of continuing to develop national capacities and enhance legislative and regulatory frameworks, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.The Minamata Convention is one of the most prominent international agreements aimed at protecting human health and the environment from emissions and waste resulting from mercury and its compounds. It was adopted in 2013 and entered into force in August 2017, and it constitutes an international framework for regulating the use of mercury and reducing its risks.

The growth outlook for the Asean-6 economies remains stable on the back of an improvement in the trade environment and more supportive monetary policy, according to QNB.In recent decades, Southeast Asia has been the most dynamic region in the world, showcasing the brightest economic growth performance.Within this region, the six largest countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean-6), which includes Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, have been among the fastest growing economies, with Singapore already reaching the status of an advanced economy.Trade is a major pillar of the economic growth model for the Asean-6 countries, and significant disruptions in international commerce can have a large impact on their performance, QNB said.On April 2, which came to be known as “Liberation Day,” President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on all US trade partners, and a period of much tighter protectionism emerged as a potential threat to growth.Trade and growth forecasts initially deteriorated sharply on fears of the impact of supply-chain disruptions, rocketing uncertainty, and potentially escalating trade wars. But despite a still-uncertain environment, the growth outlook for the Asean-6 group has been stable, with real GDP growth rates in 2026 expected to remain overall strong, similar to those of 2025.First, the global trade environment has begun to stabilise, as the US reached agreements with an increasing number of trade partners, and there is no evidence of a negative impact of trade in the Asean-6 countries.The initially unyielding protectionism of the US administration shifted towards pragmatism as agreements were reached with the UK, Japan, and the EU among many others.Importantly, for the Asean-6, agreements were reached with Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines, establishing a general tariff of 19% and lower rates for selected goods, while for Singapore the levy stands at 10%.Although these rates are higher than before Liberation Day, the end of the negotiations largely reduced the levels of uncertainty discarding the more extreme negative scenarios, and are still within a manageable range, especially as other competitors are also affected by new US tariffs.Even as the US has become more protectionist, the rest of the world is pursuing further integration via new or deeper trade agreements. In October, the Asean member states signed two major agreements: one improving cross-border flows within the group, and an upgrade of the Asean-China Free Trade framework.At the same time, negotiations began for an Asean-South Korea agreement. Furthermore, some Asean-6 countries appear to be benefiting from trade diversion as firms shift supply chains away from China.The impact of tariffs after Liberation Day on the Asean-6 economies has so far been negligible, with exports continuing to show monthly growth rates in the range of 10 to 20% in USD in annual terms. Even as the world adjusts to a more protectionist US, the outlook on global trade is improving, contributing to a more supportive growth scenario for the Asean-6 economies.**media[393199]**Second, lower policy interest rates in the major advanced economies (AE), as well as in the Asean-6 countries, provide a better global environment for economic growth. Since 2024, the US Federal Reserve has already lowered its policy rate by 175 basis points (bps) to 3.75% and is likely to bring it further down to a neutral level of 3.5%.In a similar period, the European Central Bank has lowered its benchmark policy rate by 200bp to 2% and is likely to keep it unchanged during next year.**media[393200]**Thus, policy interest rates in major AE are set to stabilise at lower levels than in recent years, providing better financial conditions for emerging economies.Similarly, central banks in the Asean-6 countries have implemented their own monetary easing cycles after inflation was brought under control following the post Covid-pandemic recovery. In these economies, the average increase in policy rates was 260 basis points, to levels above those at the onset of the Covid-pandemic.As tight monetary policy brought inflation rates down to their target ranges, central banks reached a turning point and began to cut policy interest rates, reducing the cost of credit and boosting credit growth. Overall, looser monetary conditions in the AE as well as from the Asean-6 central banks provide better credit conditions for growth in the region, QNB noted. 

His Excellency Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie participated on Thursday in the high-level segment of the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7). The session will be held during the period of Dec. 11-12 at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme 'Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,' with a wide participation from representatives of countries and international organizations.HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change delivered the State of Qatar's statement before the Assembly, during which he discussed several draft resolutions related to climate change, pollution reduction, waste management, biodiversity protection and the sustainability of natural resources. The medium-term plan of UNEP was adopted.The State of Qatar's participation in UNEA-7 comes within the framework of its keenness to enhance international cooperation in confronting escalating environmental challenges, and to support UN efforts aimed at protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development, as well as to strengthen its effective commitment to multilateral action on global environmental issues.Ministry of Environment and Climate Change indicated that the outcomes of this session should contribute to guiding the course of international environmental action in the coming years, by supporting international partnerships and boosting joint efforts to achieve sustainability and protect ecosystems. 

Old Doha Port capped off Tuesday the third Seabed Cleaning Initiative, underscoring its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the marine environment and amplifying community awareness of sustainable practices. In a statement, the Port highlighted that since its inception in 2023, the initiative has emerged as a core environmental pillar, strategically reinforcing the national agenda's priorities on sustainable development and the preservation of Qatar's ecological resources.This year's initiative witnessed integrated collaboration between certified divers, governmental functionaries, and private-sector partners, within a coordinated operation extending across the entire waterfront of the Port, the statement read.It further pointed out that divers successfully operated to remove accumulated waste from the deep water reaching 6 meters, which included plastic materials, fishing lines, nets, and heavy debris that pose a threat to marine life and navigation safety, noting that the intervention areas were identified based on precise seabed surveys conducted prior to the operation.The initiative has received substantial backing from partners, with the Ministry of Municipality providing operational mechanisms and support, while the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change conducted environmental oversight and provided essential technical guidelines, the statement continued.The statement clarified that ExxonMobil Qatar also undertook the role of strategic contributor, while Tanzifco carried out onsite waste sorting operations and ensured that recyclable materials were directed to the competent authorities, with the Qatari Coast Guard ensuring the safety of divers throughout the seabed cleaning operation.It remarked that the Arab Center for Engineering Studies (ACES) organized workshops and interactive activities for children on sustainability to contribute to strengthening awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. Other key participants included Environmental and Green Energy Services, Athar Alfardan, Alfardan Marine Services, Hai Wash, and Mr. Valet.As such, CEO of the Old Doha Port, Eng Mohamed Abdullah al-Mulla, asserted that this initiative is a testament to the Port's responsibility toward the coastal environment in the State of Qatar, emphasizing that the nation's marine environment constitutes a time-honored part of its national identity and preserving it is a duty on the part of all.This initiative has become an annual landmark with concrete positive impact that corrals the community's enterprises and individuals toward one goal, as long as holding each one of these initiatives reinforces the collective responsibility in safeguarding the nation's natural resources for the generations to come, Al Mulla stressed.Vice President and Manager of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar, Rashid al-Hajri, underlined that collaboration with the Port in this initiative underscores an all-hands-on-deck approach in protecting the environment and marine life, as well as promoting sustainability for the next generations.Noteworthy, the initiative comes in alignment with the environmental development pillar within Qatar National Vision 2030, which includes a pro-environment appeal for the protection of natural resources and environmental equilibrium, in addition to bolstering environmental governance and societal partnership.Since its launch in 2023, the Initiative has been incrementally expanded, emerging today as one of the Port's core pillars in the long-term sustainability agenda amid plans to enlarge its scope and broaden the engagement of the community members in the years ahead. 

The Ministry of Municipality's Public Parks Department, in co-operation with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, launched the 11th edition of the "Farm Your Country" programme, with the participation of 47 schools at various educational levels, including one school for persons with disabilities.The programme comes within the framework of national efforts to enhance the partnership between the public and private sectors in raising agricultural awareness and instilling in students a culture of planting from an early age, thus, strengthening this trend towards a green and sustainable environment in the State of Qatar.In a statement, the Public Parks Department said that planting operations have been completed in 25 schools, adding that the coming weeks will see such operations carried out in the remaining schools, followed by checkups and plant care stages taking place until the harvest season, held under the supervision of the department's technical team.The department said that this is one of the most important community programmes that it implements in partnership with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, with its significance stemming from its contribution to instilling in students a sense of responsibility, respect for the environment, and teamwork, in addition to encouraging home farming and enhancing food security in the country.

The Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has participated in the International Diplomatic Training Forum (IFDT), organized by the Peruvian Diplomatic Academy from Nov 11 to 14 in Cusco, Peru. More than 50 diplomatic academies and institutes from around the world participated.The Diplomatic Institute was represented at the forum by His Excellency Director of the Institute Dr Abdulaziz bin Mohammed al-Horr. In his address to the forum, HE al-Horr emphasized that the global diplomatic environment is undergoing rapid transformation, necessitating the adoption of innovative training methods that transcend traditional models. He noted that contemporary diplomats require new skills, including flexibility, emotional intelligence, networking, and the ability to address transnational challenges. The forum also witnessed the official announcement of Qatar, represented by the Diplomatic Institute, being selected to host the 52nd annual meeting of the International Diplomatic Training Forum (IFDT) next year.

The South Korean government on Thursday unveiled its proposal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent by 2035 from the 2018 level.In a public hearing, the government unveiled two proposals for the nationally determined contribution (NDC) by 2035, one of which will be submitted to the United Nations, according to (Yonhap) news agency.The first option would require the country to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum 50 percent and a maximum 60 percent, while the second option calls for a slightly more ambitious goal of reducing emissions by a minimum 53 percent and a maximum 60 percent by the target year, according to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.In 2018, South Korea's greenhouse gas emissions reached 742.3 million tons. To decrease emissions by 50 percent from the 2018 level, the country would have to only emit 371.2 million tons in 2035.Last year, Korea's greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 691.6 million tons, far above the minimum target for 2035.To achieve the 2035 target, the government said it will work to expand the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, while establishing a nationwide next-generation power grid.The government plans to provide emission reduction incentives to private companies to help them manufacture low-carbon products and install emission reduction facilities.Seoul submitted its nationally determined contribution (NDC) for 2030 to the UN in 2021, vowing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from the 2018 level.

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.