tag

Friday, December 05, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "sustainability" (28 articles)

Engineer Ali al-Kuwari, Msheireb Properties CEO.
Business

Msheireb Properties CEO named ‘Sustainability Leader of the Year’ at Big 5 Global Impact Awards 2025

Msheireb Properties has reinforced its position as a leader in green construction and urban innovation as its chief executive officer, Engineer Ali al-Kuwari, was named ‘Sustainability Leader of the Year’ at the Big 5 Global Impact Awards 2025.The Big 5 Global Impact Awards inspire the global built environment to pursue higher industry standards. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the awards recognise outstanding achievements in sustainability, digitalisation and innovation through rigorous evaluation by an independent international panel.The award recognises al-Kuwari’s instrumental role in guiding Msheireb Properties’ strategic vision and its execution in creating Msheireb Downtown Doha, the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project.Al-Kuwari said: “Sustainability goes beyond a target; it is a guiding principle that informs every aspect of our work. From urban design and mobility solutions to heritage conservation and community engagement, our goal is to create environments that are resilient, inclusive and future-ready. This award highlights a fundamental principle at Msheireb Properties: true sustainability is a holistic endeavour. It is not a standalone feature but the very foundation upon which our projects were conceived. It lives in the shade of our architecture, the efficiency of our smart grid, the stories within our heritage museums and the vitality of our community spaces."The accolade for the CEO follows a historic double win for Msheireb Properties at the 2024 awards, where Msheireb Downtown Doha secured the ‘Liveable City Initiative of the Year’ award and Msheireb Museums won ‘Conservation and Heritage Initiative of the Year’. The continued success reinforces Msheireb Properties’ status as a leading reference for quality and innovation regionally and internationally.The ‘Sustainability Leader of the Year’ award acknowledges al-Kuwari's leadership in overseeing a portfolio of groundbreaking initiatives. Under his guidance, Msheireb Properties launched Qatar's first large-scale portfolio decarbonisation strategy for Msheireb Downtown Doha this year, a bold initiative covering over 100 buildings. This commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the entire city exemplifies the forward-thinking approach the award celebrates. 

EnergyX's DY-Building is the world’s first certified Plus-Energy Building, achieving 129.6% verified energy self-sufficiency
Business

Sustainability not a cost but a monetisable performance advantage for Qatar: EnergyX CEO

Sustainability is not a cost but a measurable, monetisable performance advantage, a strategy Qatar has steadfastly followed and a model worth emulating, according to a top official of EnergyX, South Korea's global leader in energy optimisation and now shifted its global command centre and international headquarters to Doha.The move behind the creation of EnergyX – where deep tech, architecture and sustainability converge – has come in view of accelerating global demand for decarbonised buildings, its chief executive officer Sean Park told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress, which concluded Wednesday.Quoting the World Green Building Council, he said buildings account for about 39% of global carbon emissions, making the built environment the world’s most significant single source of emissions — and therefore one of its greatest opportunities.“That statistic hit us with clarity,” recalled Park, who had earlier served as a board director at Tapas, an entertainment-technology company acquired in Silicon Valley for $510mn.The Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) market was valued at approximately $23.6bn in 2023 and is projected to grow to between $80bn and $90bn by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 21%.EnergyX stands as a global leader, with more than 2,000 projects, more than 300 IP assets, and the groundbreaking EnergyX DY-Building — the world’s first certified Plus-Energy Building achieving 129.6% verified energy self-sufficiency.Highlighting Doha's central role in its global strategy; he said from its base in Qatar, EnergyX now directs a growing global network — integrating strategic acquisitions worldwide while co-ordinating its worldwide operations and R&D (research and development) from Qatar”.Park emphasised that Qatar is not simply a regional office — it is the anchor point for EnergyX’s global operations, advanced R&D vision, and its drive to reshape the future of building technologies.EnergyX, JMJ Group Holding and Hexa Tech have entered into a pact to establish a trio of industrial initiatives in the country, including an advanced production plant centred on free-form design-for-manufacturing-and-assembly (DFMA) and energy-optimisation technologies to boost the country’s high-value manufacturing.By putting Qatar at the centre of its worldwide operations, systems integrations, manufacturing, and R&D; he said it will expand local hiring, deepen collaborations with universities and research institutes, and broaden its intellectual-property portfolio from Doha — positioning Qatar as the origin point for technologies that enable energy-sovereign buildings and districts worldwide.Finding that buildings and construction account for over one-third of global final energy consumption (according to the International Energy Agency), he said "this places EnergyX at the front line of one of humanity’s most critical climate challenges — and positions Qatar as a global hub for the solutions needed to address it."EnergyX will build high-skill teams and collaborate with government, leading Qatari business groups, universities, and research institutes to accelerate technology transfer, specialised training, and workforce development tied directly to the factory and research centre, according to Park. 

MENA holds just 1% of the world’s freshwater yet supports 6% of the global population.
Business

Race to protect food production in Mena accelerating and window for meaningful action narrowing: Al-Attiyah Foundation

The Al-Attiyah Foundation’s latest sustainability research paper warns that the race to protect food production in fragile environments in the Mena region is accelerating and the window for meaningful action is narrowing.The report, “Sustainable Agriculture in Arid Countries”, paints a sobering picture.Mena holds just 1% of the world’s freshwater yet supports 6% of the global population.For many farmers, this scarcity is no longer an abstract statistic. It is the reason crops yield less, reservoirs dry earlier each year, and groundwater wells sink deeper into deficit. Climate driven droughts have already reduced harvests by 10-30%, threatening both food security and household incomes across the region.Across the Middle East and North Africa, farmers, families and entire communities now stand at a defining crossroads.In the world’s driest region, where every drop of water carries the weight of a livelihood, rising temperatures, deepening droughts and shrinking freshwater reserves are reshaping daily life.“Amid these challenges, there are signs of hope”, Al-Attiyah Foundation noted.Countries such as Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in technologies that give farmers a fighting chance.Precision irrigation, solar powered desalination, climate-smart greenhouses and digital farming tools are helping communities make the most of the water they have.Qatar’s ‘HAIAT’ precision agriculture project, for example, uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to guide farmers on exactly when and how much to irrigate. These innovations show what is possible when science and sustainability work hand in hand.However, many farmers in the region remain in the margins.High upfront costs keep modern irrigation and protected farming systems out of reach for smallholders, the very people who grow a significant share of the region’s food. Despite carrying the greatest climate burden, they receive less than one percent of global climate finance.The report calls for new financial lifelines such as blended finance, concessional loans and climate insurance that can help farmers stay afloat when droughts strike. A recent $7.9mn drought insurance payout in Syria, which supported one hundred and twenty thousand people, shows how powerful these tools can be when designed well.Al-Attiyah Foundation concluded that the region was entering a race for resilience. The countries that will thrive are those that scale water efficient technologies, strengthen governance and unlock climate finance not only for major producers but for the countless small farmers whose resilience keeps food on tables across the region.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Amir attends G20 Summit in Johannesburg

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani took part in the G20 Summit 2025, held under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability" at the Johannesburg Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.The summit was attended by a number of Their Excellencies and Highnesses leaders of the G20 member states, heads of government and delegations, and representatives of regional and international organizations.Members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir also attended the summit. *His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani expressed hope that the outcomes of the G20 Summit would contribute to finding solutions to key economic priorities and major global challenges, in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of nations for solidarity, equality, and sustainability.His Highness said, in a post on his official account on 'X' platform, that he had participated in the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa, and conveyed his thanks to President Cyril Ramaphosa for inviting him to what he described as a pivotal summit.His Highness the Amir added that Qatar looks forward to the summit's outcomes contributing to solutions for economic priorities and major global challenges, in a way that meets the aspirations of all countries for solidarity, equality, and sustainability.His Highness the Amir left the friendly Republic of South Africa after participating in the G20 Summit 2025, which was held Saturday in Johannesburg. His Highness the Amir participated in the G20 summit in Johannesburg following a written message sent by President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa to the Amir that included an invitation to participate in the summit.His Highness had taken part in the 19th G20 Summit in 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which was held under the slogan "Building a just world and a sustainable planet." Analysts and experts have confirmed that the African tour of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, which included the Republic of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of South Africa, carries profound political significance, reflects Qatar's pivotal role and its openness to the world, including the African continent, and consolidates its global standing as a peace-loving country and an active and reliable partner.In statements to QNA, analysts and experts said that this high-level African tour is significant in terms of its timing, the countries it includes, and the issues it addressed at the bilateral, regional, and international levels, at a time when the world is witnessing escalating political, security, economic, and social challenges.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar University hosts global forum on Advanced and Sustainable Materials

Qatar University (QU)’s Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) organised the International Conference on Advanced and Sustainable Materials (ICASM 2025), bringing together global leaders, researchers, industry experts, and students to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of materials science and sustainability. The event was officially opened by QU Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Aiman Erbad, who highlighted the institution’s deep commitment to advancing sustainability and scientific excellence. “At QU, research is at the heart of our mission,” he said. “Through partnerships and innovation, we are translating scientific knowledge into real-world solutions addressing climate change, renewable energy, and resource sustainability.” Prof Erbad also announced the launch of QU’s Research Priorities 2025-2030, a framework guiding national research through five pillars; Health, Energy, Digital Technology, Resource Sustainability, and Society, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. **media[382711]** In his address, Director of CAM and Conference Chair Prof Mohammad R Irshidat, welcomed participants from over 40 countries and emphasised CAM’s pivotal role in advancing research in energy materials, nanotechnology, polymers, corrosion science, and environmental sustainability. He noted the remarkable response to the conference, which received 691 registrations and 346 abstracts and features 292 posters, 197 student oral presentations, and 197 oral presentation sessions, underscoring the vibrant engagement of the materials research community. **media[382712]** All accepted high-quality papers will be considered for publication in an international journal, Emergent Materials, further extending the conference’s scientific impact. ICASM 2025 will continue over the coming days with keynote lectures, technical sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities designed to inspire innovation and foster global partnerships in sustainable materials research.

Dr Nawal Al Sulaiti, Sustainability Manager at Qatar Foundation
Qatar

Qatar Foundation: Leading the way in building a sustainable future

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.

Gulf Times
Qatar

UDC leads major seabed cleanup for Qatar Sustainability Week

From the depths of the sea to the vibrant neighbourhoods of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, United Development Company’s Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) 2025 embodied a journey of collective action and environmental awareness, uniting residents, partners, and volunteers through impactful initiatives.This year’s edition witnessed record participation from divers, volunteers, and the wider community, surpassing last year’s engagement both in attendance and impact. The week further reinforced UDC’s position as one of Qatar’s leading advocates for sustainability, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, a statement said Sunday.As part of the week’s activities, UDC organised the largest seabed cleanup campaign in the region, bringing together over 250 volunteer divers from the local community, with the support of professional diving centres and environmental organisations.The initiative resulted in the recovery of 843kg of recyclable marine waste. The impact of this campaign has been evident since its launch in 2019, as the significant decline in collected waste volumes compared to previous years reflects its lasting effectiveness and positive contribution to marine conservation.**media[379719]**In parallel, UDC’s Plastic Recycling Initiative achieved notable progress by collecting 1,500kg of recyclable plastic materials, reinforcing the principles of a circular economy within UDC’s communities and supporting Qatar’s national efforts to reduce plastic pollution.The blood donation campaign organised in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation was one of the week’s standout initiatives, attracting a large turnout of residents and visitors and doubling the number of donors compared to last year.In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, awareness campaigns held at Gewan Island encouraged positive environmental behaviours and promoted sustainable practices in daily life.Concluding this year’s QSW, UDC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to leading sustainable urban development in Qatar and continuing to expand its environmental and community initiatives, the statement added.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Doha becomes hub of innovation, culture, and economy in Nov

Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented wave of cultural, economic, and sports activities in November, as Doha prepares to host a series of international conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and championships, highlighting its position as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and excellence.From Sustainability Week to the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Doha Film Festival, and Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism, the events cover sectors such as sports, economy, health, education, and culture, reflecting Qatar's vision of promoting international dialogue and supporting sustainable development.Nov 1-7: Qatar Sustainability Week led by Earthna, 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week will highlight sustainability efforts.Nov 3-27: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Qatar is set to host its third global tournament under the supervision of FIFA, after it has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 World Cup November 4-8: KIDS EXPO 2025 Under the theme "Our Children are the Greatest Treasure," the second edition of the Expo will be held to raise awareness about children's rights.Nov 5-8: Qatar Boat Show 2025 Held at the Old Doha Port, the second edition of Qatar Boat Show 2025 will combine heritage, luxury, and innovation in yachting.Novr 11-13: Qatar Medicare 2025 Qatar Medicare stands as Qatar's first International Healthcare and Medical Trade Exhibition and Conference, convening an extensive network of healthcare stakeholders.Nov 17-19: Rowad 2025 Conference Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding," Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 is considered the most influential event in the State of Qatar's entrepreneurship sector. This year's edition will focus on the requirements for international growth and expansion beyond local markets.Nov 20-22: 17th Gulf Heart Association Conference The conference will cover numerous topics of advanced and general cardiology. It aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and research on all aspects of heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.Nov 20-23: 5th Qatar Taekwondo Open Championships The Championship will bring together international athletes.Nov 20-28: Doha Film Festival Doha Film Festival upports talent, promots cultural dialogue, and showcases innovative visions.Nov 24-25: 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) centers around the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education." WISE 12 aims to deepen discussions on the purpose of education and its pivotal role in serving humanity.Nov 24-26: Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism 2025 (QTM 2025) QTM 2025 is a prominent platform in the field of travel and tourism, bringing together leading global destinations to showcase the latest trends in sports tourism, conferences and exhibitions tourism, business and cultural tourism, and leisure tourism.Nov 25-26: MWC Doha 2025 MWC25 Doha is the first-ever edition of the GSMA's MWC Series to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event marks a key milestone in positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation and transformation.The conference will explore three key themes: AI Nexus, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in powering innovation; Intelligent Economies, centered on secure digital infrastructure and next-generation networks; and Connected Industries, highlighting the growing impact of emerging technologies on daily life and economic systems.Nov 27-29: 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC Qatar 2025) The Conference brings together specialists, policymakers, and researchers to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of primary health care.Nov 28-30: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship It is one of the season's most anticipated races.This vibrant calendar underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to solidifying its position on the global events map, attracting international expertise, and affirming its leadership in building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

Gulf Times
International

47th ASEAN Summit kicks off in Malaysia

The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits kicked off today in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' The summit will continue until October 28, with the participation of leaders of ASEAN member states, in addition to representatives from partner countries such as China, the US, Japan, and India.Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in addressing global economic and geopolitical challenges.He said rising competition and increasing uncertainty are not only testing ASEAN's economies, but also ASEAN's collective resolve to maintain faith in cooperation. ASEAN's strength lies in the conviction that respect and rationality still bind member states together, he added.During the summit, leaders will discuss a range of key issues, including enhancing regional economic integration, stimulating sustainable economic growth, improving connectivity among ASEAN countries, and enhancing cooperation in the fields of the digital economy, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.Progress made in implementing the 18 key economic goals under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship will also be reviewed.The ASEAN summit comes at a sensitive time, as the region faces economic and geopolitical challenges that require a coordinated response from the member state countries. The discussions and decisions taken are expected to contribute to strengthening ASEAN's role as a key axis of stability and prosperity in the Southeast Asian region.

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani
Business

Qatar Chamber supports 10th Qatar Sustainability Week as Strategic Partner, ICC Qatar as Supporting Partner

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.

Gulf Times
Region

Turkiye ready to act as de facto guarantor of Two-State Solution, says Foreign Minister

Turkiye is ready to take on the role of a de facto guarantor if the two-state solution is implemented in the Palestinian territories, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. In an interview with the Turkish television channel Ulke, Fidan stated that Ankara is prepared to take on the responsibilities necessary to ensure the realization and sustainability of a two-state framework, provided that the outcome is acceptable to the Palestinian side. He noted that Turkiye's role in the Palestinian issue continues to focus on mediation, while emphasizing its willingness to undertake broader commitments if an agreement materializes that grants the Palestinians a state within the 1967 borders. Fidan stressed that no other country is currently in a position to assume such a role and called for the establishment of effective international mechanisms to exert pressure on the Israeli occupation and translate them into tangible measures on the ground. Fidan explained that an "Early Task Force" had been formed to manage operational matters during the ceasefire in Gaza, including the exchange of hostages and bodies. However, he clarified that no permanent or structured force with defined rules of engagement has yet been created. The Minister added that US President Donald Trump's peace plan included three institutional components — a task force, a peace council, and a stabilization force — and that discussions regarding their potential mandates, composition, and operational frameworks remain ongoing. On Gaza reconstruction, Fidan stressed that large-scale rebuilding efforts can only begin once a lasting ceasefire is achieved. He also highlighted the need to include compensation for damages on the international agenda, noting that this process may take time. Regarding Syria, Fidan underscored the importance of managing regional crisis areas responsibly and warned against the risk of the Israeli occupation expanding into Syrian territory. He said preparations are underway for a tripartite meeting between Turkiye, the United States, and Syria to discuss recent developments in the region.

Gulf Times
Business

IBPC Qatar is ‘Community Partner’ at Qatar Sustainability Week 2025; announces week-long events

The Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) has announced its partnership with the Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future for ‘Qatar Sustainability Week’ (QSW) 2025, taking place from November 1-8. Now in its 10th year, QSW is led by Earthna, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Qatar Foundation. The event will see the participation of Qatar’s community, NGOs, and the private sector in advancing sustainability-focused initiatives and practices. As part of QSW 2025, the IBPC Qatar Sustainability Forum will organise a series of activities designed to promote awareness, collaboration, and innovation in sustainable development across the business and education sectors. IBPC president Thaha Muhammed stated: “As the Indian community, we reaffirm our commitment to adopting sustainable practices within the corporate and business sectors while inspiring the wider community, including school students, to take meaningful action.”