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ICC Qatar recently concluded its high-level two-day webinar titled ‘Navigating the Geopolitical Crisis: Legal, Governance, ESG Compliance & Risk Priorities for Qatar’s Private Sector’. The webinar brought together more than 200 participants representing banks, law firms, embassies, real estate and construction companies, and consulting firms, as well as legal and governance experts, senior executives, board members, and risk professionals.  Sheikha Tamader al-Thani, secretary general of ICC Qatar, said: “We are pleased to convene this timely discussion as the region continues to experience significant geopolitical developments. These evolving dynamics present a range of challenges for the private sector, particularly in navigating legal complexities, regulatory expectations, ESG considerations, and operational risks.” She added: “The evolving geopolitical environment requires businesses to review contracts, legal exposure, and cross-border obligations, while ensuring strong compliance, governance, and risk management frameworks. In times of uncertainty, ESG responsibilities and business continuity planning become even more critical to maintaining stability and resilience.”  Discussions addressed the legal, regulatory, and operational challenges currently facing businesses in Qatar and the wider Gulf region. Throughout the event, Mashael al-Sulaiti, founder and chairperson of Mashael Al Sulaiti Law Firm, and Elena Athwal, founder and CEO of ICELIS Global, highlighted the critical need for businesses to review contractual clauses, particularly force majeure and material adverse change provisions, to understand their legal position and available remedies clearly.  They also stressed the importance of strengthening board oversight, ensuring compliance, and maintaining transparency in disclosure practices. “We gave businesses a clear framework for action, identifying the applicable laws, understanding the obligations that arise, and taking immediate steps to protect their position.  At the board level, this means moving from passive awareness to active oversight; risks must be identified, challenged, documented and managed within a disciplined governance framework,” stated al-Sulaiti.  The speakers emphasised the importance of proactive risk assessment, robust contractual review, ESG considerations, and strengthened internal governance frameworks to ensure resilience and compliance during periods of uncertainty.  They also provided insights into key disruptions affecting the business landscape, including global trade and supply chain challenges, heightened counterparty and sovereign risks, contractual uncertainties, and evolving regulatory expectations. “ESG during a crisis is not a reporting exercise. It is evidence preservation for legal remedies,” said Athwal. Furthermore, the speakers underscored the necessity of closely monitoring regulatory developments and maintaining open communication with supervisory authorities.  They also emphasised the importance of reassessing insurance coverage and addressing potential gaps, particularly in high-risk or conflict-affected jurisdictions.

Qatar Chamber has announced its role as the Strategic Partner for the 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW 2025), while the International Chamber of Commerce Qatar (ICC Qatar) will be the Supporting Partner of the event, hosted by the Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation.The event, scheduled to take place from November 1 to 8, 2025, serves as a nationwide platform that brings together individuals, businesses, government entities, and community organisations to promote sustainable practices, highlight innovative initiatives, and enhance public engagement with Qatar’s sustainability agenda.Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, who is also ICC Qatar chairman, said: “Our participation as a strategic partner to the Qatar Sustainability Week underscores our strong belief in the private sector’s role as a key driver of sustainability. We are delighted to contribute to national efforts that foster a greener, more resilient economy and encourage responsible business leadership across all industries.”“We call on companies, organisations, and individuals to take part in the 10th Qatar Sustainability Week and contribute to building a sustainable and prosperous future for Qatar,” he added.The partnership reflects Qatar Chamber’s continuous commitment to promoting sustainability principles within the business community and encouraging companies to align their operations with Qatar National Vision 2030's environmental development pillar.As a strategic partner, Qatar Chamber, together with ICC Qatar as supporting partner, will play an active role in supporting sustainability initiatives and activities implemented across public and private entities.The partnership aims to empower the private sector to adopt environmentally responsible business models, report on their sustainability performance, and raise community awareness about the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection for future generations.Among its initiatives, Qatar Chamber has also launched the Comprehensive Waste Reduction Programme, which includes enhanced recycling practices across its premises to minimise waste and promote sustainable resource use.As part of its initiatives for the week, Qatar Chamber will organise a ‘Beach Clean-Up Day’ for its employees and members on November 1, 2025. The chamber has extended invitations to its employees and members and encouraged all those interested to take part in the environmental initiative.

The International Chamber of Commerce Qatar (ICC Qatar) emphasized the role of the private sector in the energy transition during the participation of its Environment and Energy Commission — a strategic collaboration between ICC Qatar and the Al Attiyah Foundation, in a high-level panel discussion on the sidelines of the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC), held at the International Capacity Pavilion at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Moderated by Axel Threlfall, Editor-at-Large at Reuters, the session brought together the Commission's leadership and working group chairs to showcase its mandate, roadmap, and priority working groups, and explored how Qatar's private sector can accelerate the nation's energy transition and environmental initiatives. The discussion featured the Commission Co-Chairs; Sustainable Energy Programmes Manager at the Al Attiyah Foundation, Colman Hands and Director of Energy at the Al Attiyah Foundation, Howard Bevan. Working group chairs presented their thematic areas: Elena I. Athwal on the low-carbon energy transition, Dr. Marwa Al Ansary on emissions and carbon markets, and Samer Malaeb on desalination and the energy nexus. The panel covered key topics such as renewable energy integration, carbon pricing and emissions reduction, and innovations in water and desalination technologies. It will also outline the Commission's roadmap for capacity building, policy engagement, knowledge sharing, and international collaboration. The session convened senior representatives from government, industry, and international organisations, setting the stage for deeper collaboration and the Commission's upcoming initiatives. "The Environment and Energy Commission provides a unique platform to bring together private sector expertise, innovation, and investment for meaningful climate action," said ICC Qatar Environment and Energy Commission's Co-Chair Howard Bevan. "Through this initiative, businesses will play a central role in shaping a low-carbon, resilient future for Qatar and the region." Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the Commission aims to reinforce business leadership in sustainability while contributing to international frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.