Doha, October 01 (QNA) - The fourth edition of the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2024 kicked off Tuesday.

The two-day event is held for the first time as part of Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).

The dialogue's first session was attended by HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, and a large number of specialists, academics, experts, and those interested in environmental affairs.

In his opening remarks, HE Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie said that the dialogue reflects the significance of solidarity and joint action to address the increasing challenges posed by climate change. He voiced his pride in the successes achieved by the MOECC in the State of Qatar, which will support the steady march toward achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and has given special importance to climate change within its integrated framework that it has drawn up to achieve sustainable development in various aspects of economic, social, environmental, and others. He added that from this standpoint, they are gathered today to discuss sustainable and practical solutions that will enable them to address those challenges effectively.

His Excellency added that the participation of this large and diverse number of national and international entities, and the elite of those interested in climate change issues from around the world, in addition to the private sector and civil society, is a testament to the State of Qatar's firm commitment to addressing climate challenges and enhancing climate efforts at the local, regional, and global levels.

It also confirms the importance of dialogue and the need to unify ranks and efforts to address those challenges that affect the present and the future, stressing the MOECC's constant keenness to consider the opinions and proposals put forward by everyone.

HE Dr. Al Subaie indicated that this dialogue's edition focuses on a number of key themes that will support the sustainable development process and achieve a real transformation in how to deal with the challenges of climate change, including solutions for adapting to the effects of climate change in the State of Qatar, based on the belief in the importance of adaptation and enhancing flexibility in dealing with the repercussions of climate change in various development paths.

It also sheds light on environmental and sustainable tourism, discusses ways to enhance it, and reviews successful experiences and practices in this field from the State of Qatar and around the world, in addition to reviewing the essential role played by national efforts in addressing climate change.

HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change stressed the importance of exerting the necessary efforts to ensure the benefit of current and future generations at all national levels to provide a safe climate and an environmentally sustainable future.

He noted that this dialogue represents more than just an opportunity to exchange ideas, as it is a step toward enhancing Qatar's active role on the international stage in dealing with climate change issues and a new stage in developing capabilities for innovation and finding sustainable solutions.

He concluded his opening speech by saying that the State of Qatar believes that integration between various sectors plays a pivotal role in achieving tangible successes in the field of climate and environmental sustainability.

For his part, HE Chairman of Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah - through his participation via video conferencing - pointed out that climate change is a real and clear global problem, the results of which are evident in the rise in sea levels and their threat to coastal areas, and the increase in extreme weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts, which threaten lives, agriculture, infrastructure and economies, leading to water shortages and food insecurity.

His Excellency added that the loss of biodiversity is accelerating with increasing disturbances to the ecosystem, rising temperatures, and extreme weather leading to increased health risks.

He noted that 2024 witnessed the "hottest day" and the "hottest summer" ever, and these are not passing incidents but rather the result of many years of increasing carbon emissions.

HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah noted that at COP28 in 2023, world leaders agreed on a sustainable and just energy transition, which is the only way to protect the planet, safeguard resources, and secure a better world for future generations. He stressed that the Qatar National Dialogue discussions on climate change constitute an important step towards that future, as "together, we can make a difference." 

For his part, Earthna Executive Director Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata expressed his happiness at the opening of the 4th edition of the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC), noting the success of the event over the past three years in establishing itself as a unique platform for exchanging ideas, enriching discussions, and translating them into effective steps to address the effects of climate change.

Dr. de la Mata said that climate change affects everyone, making it essential for all, be it individuals, companies, organizations, academic institutions, and government entities to recognize their role in addressing this crisis and to collectively take decisive measures to ensure a sustainable future.

In keeping with the sustainability goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, this year's QNDCC plays a crucial role in forming the countrys response to climate change, by identifying and shaping the measures and actions to which collective commit is needed in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt.

International and local experts will hold enriching discussions over two-days with the aim of putting together national and international policies and strategies to combat climate change, the Earthna Executive Director noted.

Dr. de la Mata said that the event enhances transparency, understanding, cooperation, and integration among the country's key players actively engaged in combating climate change, facilitating the formulation of effective policies to mitigate environmental risks and promote economic growth.

He said that QNDCC hosts prominent speakers and features high-level discussions focusing on key topics related to climate change, adaptation to its effects, carbon management regulation, the outcomes of COP28, COP29, and eco-tourism.

Dr. de la Mata stressed that the only way to address the effects of climate change lies in close collaboration across sectors and in empowering individuals to fully adopt and implement sustainable practices at all levels.

In this context, HE Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Qatar Lothar Freischlader expressed pride that his country is an official partner of the 4h edition of QNDCC, affirming that every step taken in the next six years will significantly impact the approach to addressing climate change challenges, adding that what is done today will have a profound effect on tomorrow.

HE the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany praised his country's cooperation with the State of Qatar, which reflects both countries' spirit of partnership to find solutions to this global phenomenon through developing policies and expanding diplomatic efforts.

HE Ambassador Freischlader added that Germany has a clear responsibility and commitment to be among the first countries to reach net zero, highlighting the importance of international cooperation to confront the effects of climate change.

He added that climate action is not only about addressing climate change but also about creating a collaborative future that supports resources, fosters ideas, and provides mechanisms and tools to facilitate actions.

Co-hosted by Qatar Foundation Member, Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, this year's edition of QNDCC is held in collaboration with the German Embassy and the German Industry and Commerce Office in Doha (AHK Qatar), along with QNB as a strategic partner, Al Attiyah Foundation as the knowledge partner and DHL Express Qatar as the logistics partner.

(QNA)