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 Qatar highlighted its commitment to protecting the ozone layer and promoting sustainable cooling as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) marked World Ozone Day 2026 yesterday.  The event, under the patronage and in the presence of HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of international co-operation to protect the ozone layer and address climate change. Held annually on September 16, this year’s observance followed the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”  The celebration included the recognition of students who won the top three positions in the ministry’s “Best Illustrated Short Story on Ozone Layer Protection” competition, organised in co-operation with Qatar Reads, an initiative of Qatar National Library.  Faisal Misfer al-Misafri won first place, followed by Al Maha Hisham Kazem in second and Ali Mohamed al-Marri in third.  Students from schools that won the scientific research competition on the Minamata Convention on Mercury were also honoured. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education organised the competition in co-operation with the Ministry of Education.  In the preparatory category, Al Ghuwariyah Joint Girls School took first place, followed by Al Shahaniya Preparatory Girls School in second and Al Shamal Preparatory Boys School in third.In the secondary category, Rawdat Bent Mohamed Secondary Girls School won first place, followed by Qatar Technical Secondary Girls School and Qatar Technical Secondary Boys School in second and third places, respectively.  The celebration also marked the 10th anniversary of adopting the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which strengthened global efforts to promote sustainable cooling and reduce refrigerants’ environmental and climate impacts.  Qatar Cool was also recognised for its environmental initiative in refrigerant management and reclamation through a specialised refrigerant gas reclamation facility, highlighting the private sector’s role in supporting sustainable environmental practices.  The ministry reiterated Qatar’s commitment to the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol and its continued efforts to raise environmental awareness, promote sustainability and support climate protection. 

As part of the celebration of World Ozone Day, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Department of Chemicals and Hazardous Waste, organised a series of awareness workshops for a number of schools, in co-operation with the Environmental Awareness Section of the Public Relations and Communication Department.These activities aim to enhance students’ awareness of the importance of protecting the ozone layer and its role in environmental sustainability, besides promoting environmental culture among the younger generation and strengthen the role of educational institutions in climate issues.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC)continues its dedicated efforts to protect the ozone layer by adopting sustainable environmental policies, monitoring ozone-depleting substances, and promoting public awareness of this vital shield, an X post said.The ministry explained that it contributes to reducing harmful emissions and ensuring a safe environment for all, as part of its full support for international efforts aimed at preserving the ozone layer. Protecting the ozone layer is not a temporary task, but a long-term national commitment that reflects the state’s responsibility toward future generations.Accordingly, the MoECC has been organising awareness and training workshops for students, technicians and the community on related issues and topics. Besides, it has established the necessary legislation and constantly monitors the imports and exports of the materials that could potentially harm the ozone layer.The ministry supports the use of environment-friendly alternatives for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Other efforts include, organising training programmes for customs officers and border inspection personnel, conducts regular inspection of the targeted facilities, and monitor the consumption of related materials and substances in addition to submitting periodic international reports to ensure compliance."The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer falls on September 16. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention a global model for science-based environmental action," the ministry's X post added.