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The world marks World Diabetes Day on November 14 each year, with the aim of raising global awareness to combat the disease and its complications, as well as focusing on ways to prevent it and manage it after diagnosis.This year's World Diabetes Day centers around a global call for various sectors to participate in and support the "Diabetes in the Workplace” initiative.The global rise in diabetes is seen as a developmental and social challenge rather than merely an individual health crisis. International reports reveal alarming figures regarding the disease’s prevalence and the proportion of undiagnosed individuals, along with the increasing economic costs associated with it.According to the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide has surpassed 800mn, more than quadrupling since 1990. Most of them are between the ages of 20 and 79. It is estimated that about 43% of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of serious complications, even though the disease can often be managed early. Projections also indicate that nearly 81% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.Statistics show that in 2024, global diabetes-related health expenditure surpassed $1 trillion.According to international data, the geographical distribution of the disease is uneven. Low- and middle-income countries bear a greater burden in terms of the number of people affected and the proportion of untreated cases. The economic cost is also catastrophic, placing a heavy strain on the health systems of these countries. This means that diabetes is not merely a health issue but also a challenge that impacts the economies of many nations.Many specialists indicate that changing lifestyles are among the main causes of diabetes, manifested in factors such as weight gain, lack of physical activity, and changes in dietary habits. The rise in cases alongside these factors suggests that the fight against the disease is not only a medical one but also requires a comprehensive societal culture and broad scientific awareness.Regarding the efforts made annually by the Qatar Diabetes Association to support people with diabetes, Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq told Qatar News Agency (QNA) in an exclusive statement that the Association organizes more than 50 awareness activities each year. These include workshops, seminars, early screening campaigns, and camps for children with diabetes or at risk of developing it.He added that the association provides direct support to over 3,000 patients annually through educational programmes, psychological support, and nutritional guidance, in addition to national campaigns, such as "World Diabetes Day" and "Steps Towards Health," to raise community awareness. The association also collaborates with schools, universities, and various workplaces to promote a culture of prevention and healthy management of the disease, he added.On a global scale, he noted that awareness is increasing, but diabetes complications, such as heart and kidney diseases, remain prevalent due to inadequate follow-up or delayed diagnosis.The Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association explained that recent scientific advances in diabetes prevention focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a balanced diet. As for management after diagnosis, he said that rapid developments include continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and new medications, such as SGLT2 and GLP-1 inhibitors, which improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.Dr. al-Hamaq recommends that individuals with Type 1 diabetes adhere to their insulin regimen, undergo continuous monitoring, and receive psychological support. He also advises those with Type 2 diabetes to modify their lifestyle, take oral medications or injections, and follow up regularly.He added that the proper approach to living with the disease, across different cases, lies in maintaining a balance between nutrition, physical activity, and treatment; along with essential psychological and social support, particularly for children and adolescents, in addition to ensuring regular medical checkups to adjust treatment as needed, as well as self-education about the disease and its complications.Regarding the complications that affect the organ functions of the affected person, and thus their activity and productivity, Dr. al-Hamq said that complications for the heart are represented by an increased risk of coronary heart disease, for the kidneys by the development of chronic kidney disease, for the eye by retinopathy which may lead to vision loss, for the nerves by peripheral neuropathy which affects movement and sensation, and for the skin and wounds complications are represented by slow wound healing and an increased risk of infection.The QDA executive director concluded his statements regarding global scientific and medical efforts aimed at finding a cure for diabetes, saying that so far there is no approved definitive cure that achieves a complete cure for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, he pointed out that there are promising research in the field of stem cells and pancreatic islet transplantation, and this may contribute to changing the future of treating the disease, noting that this is still in the experimental stage.Among the goals that specialist physicians seek to achieve are raising awareness about the impact of diabetes on society, encouraging early diagnosis, supporting those affected, raising awareness of ways to prevent diabetes or delay its onset through following a healthy diet, with the necessity of exercising physical activity, strengthening the role of the family in health education about the treatment of diabetes and the prevention of its complications, in addition to increasing awareness of the warning signs of its infection, as well as providing medicines, technologies, support, and care to all diabetic patients who need them.

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 Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has launched the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2025-30, as part of Qatar's efforts to protect its natural resources, enhance their sustainability, and mitigate land degradation and the impacts of drought, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30.The strategy aims to establish a comprehensive national framework to combat desertification and achieve land degradation neutrality by improving the efficiency of natural resource management and strengthening supportive legislation and policies, thereby contributing to the protection of ecosystems and the achievement of sustainable development.In his remarks during the launch ceremony, HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie affirmed that desertification and the depletion of natural resources pose escalating environmental challenges that require collective efforts both locally and globally.He emphasised that the launch of this national strategy reflects Qatar's commitment to protecting the environment and honouring its international obligations, particularly under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).HE Dr al-Subaie said that the strategy is based on advanced scientific and technical foundations and aims to enhance the State's capacity to address the effects of drought and desertification, protect vegetation cover, and ensure biodiversity sustainability, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.He added that the strategy encompasses six key outcomes: protecting ecosystems and reducing factors contributing to desertification and drought; promoting sustainable management of natural resources; strengthening vegetation cover and rehabilitating affected environments; building capacity and supporting scientific research and innovation; developing legislation, policies, and effective governance; and enhancing community participation and national and international partnerships.HE Dr al-Subaie noted that these pillars form the foundation for the programmes and projects that the ministry will implement in partnership with national and international entities, as well as local communities.He added that the ministry, as the national focal point for the UNCCD, co-ordinated efforts with relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors and civil society institutions to prepare the strategy, which includes practical programmes and projects, most notably the rehabilitation of terrestrial environments, cultivation of native plant species, establishment of nurseries for the propagation of local species, and the updating of legislation governing the use of natural resources.HE Dr al-Subaie added that the ministry is leading the implementation of the strategy in co-operation with concerned entities through an integrated institutional and operational framework that includes regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, clear identification of responsibilities and authorities, and the provision of the necessary human, technical, and financial resources.The minister further noted the activation of modern technological tools for monitoring and management to ensure the effective and sustainable execution of all programs and projects.He called for greater collaboration among national sectors to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy and the achievement of its objectives in addressing desertification, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainability for future generations.Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif al-Muslimani said that the launch of the strategy comes as part of the ministry's efforts to establish an integrated national approach to address desertification and related environmental challenges.He said that the strategy represents a comprehensive framework that promotes ecosystem protection, rehabilitation of affected environments, and development and sustainability of vegetation cover, in addition to strengthening sound management of natural resources.Dr al-Muslimani stressed the importance of raising environmental awareness across all segments of society, developing training programmes and institutional capacity-building, and promoting scientific research and innovation in the field of sustainable land management.He pointed out that the preparation of the strategy came in response to the environmental challenges facing Qatar, including the scarcity of natural resources, fragile vegetation cover, and encroachment of sand dunes.Adel Mohammed al-Yafei, the head of the Wildlife Development Department’s Plant Wildlife Section, said that the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, is a milestone in the ministry's record of achievements.He said that the strategy seeks to develop early warning and environmental monitoring systems, stabilise sand dunes, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote balanced management of water, soil, and mineral resources.The official added that the strategy includes projects to rehabilitate affected ecosystems, improve the efficiency of agricultural land use, and enhance research and innovation through the adoption of smart agriculture technologies and the use of artificial intelligence applications in natural resource management, as well as promoting applied studies related to combating desertification.Al-Yafei noted that the Wildlife Development Department continues to implement national programmes to combat desertification through integrated policies aimed at rehabilitating degraded rangelands, cultivating native plant species, expanding the establishment of national nurseries to propagate and preserve local flora, and enforcing ministerial decisions to curb overgrazing and combat invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems.He said that the department is committed to applying clear measures to protect vegetation cover and wildlife within development projects at all stages of implementation, in a way that strengthens environmental balance and supports national efforts to combat desertification and land degradation.The launch ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Mahmoud, and Public Works Authority (Ashghal) President engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Meer, along with assistant undersecretaries, senior officials from environmental, academic, and research sectors, and representatives of national institutions and the private sector.

The Ukrainian Army said that the total combat losses of Russian forces since the start of the war on Ukrainian territory—from Feb. 24, 2022, to Sep. 25, 2025—amount to approximately 1,105,490 personnel, including 940 killed or wounded in the past 24 hours.The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a statement that the Russian army has lost 11,201 tanks, 23,287 armored combat vehicles, 33,133 artillery systems, 1,501 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), 1,222 air defense systems, 426 aircraft, 345 helicopters, 63,235 operational-tactical UAVs, 3,747 cruise missiles, 28 warships/boats, 1 submarine, 62,736 vehicles and fuel tanks, and 3,975 units of special equipment, according to Ukraine news agency (Ukrinform).Russia and Ukraine have been exchanging reports almost daily since the beginning of the war without independent verification of these claims due to the conditions of the war and ongoing battles since Feb. 24, 2022.