Doha: HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie emphasized the ministry’s commitment to the National Adaptation Plan, which serves as a comprehensive roadmap to address climate change challenges. The plan focuses on enhancing the resilience of key sectors such as water and agriculture through effective measures, including improved water resources management, sustainable agriculture, and coastal ecosystem preservation.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Subaie delivered this message at the International Conference on Water and Food Security in the Face of Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities for Resilience. The three-day event is organized by the Center of Excellence for Food Security and Sustainability at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Municipality, and various local and international partners.
The Minister highlighted that the Ministry’s strategy for 2024/2030 is focused on adapting to climate change by implementing policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating its impacts on key sectors, including water and food. The strategy is built on the values of leadership, sustainability, responsibility, cooperation, and transparency, with strategic goals in areas such as biodiversity preservation, climate change adaptation, environmental quality improvement, and enhanced environmental awareness.
Dr. Al Subaie noted that the conference provides a platform for dialogue and consultation among stakeholders to explore cooperation avenues between climate measures and water and food security plans. This collaboration is crucial for integrating efforts and enhancing effective responses to climate-related challenges.
He further remarked that the conference serves as a vital platform for experts, researchers, and decision-makers globally to discuss the increasing challenges posed by climate change on water and food security. It offers an important opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss best practices in climate change adaptation, urging participants to develop practical solutions to enhance water and food security amidst rapid climate change.
The Minister underscored that Qatar’s participation in the conference as a strategic partner reflects its commitment to sustainable development and its response to climate change, aligning with Qatar’s vision of environmental protection and sustainability.
Dr. Al Subaie also pointed out the rapid transformations the world is undergoing due to climate change, which threatens water resources and affects food production. He highlighted that the Arab region is particularly impacted by rising temperatures, water scarcity, and land degradation, necessitating intensified efforts and effective policies to ensure the sustainability of vital resources.
During the opening session, Dr. Al Subaie honored the winners of the Arab Youth Competition for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This competition, with 106 submissions, aimed to highlight innovative projects on food and water security and involved participants from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Oman, Algeria, Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE.
The conference aims to discuss innovative solutions to water and food security challenges resulting from climate change, addressing global sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. These include goals such as zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and climate action.
UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Naemi commented on the significance of hosting the conference, aligning it with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized Qatar’s leadership in using education and research to address critical challenges in water and food security and climate change.
Assistant Director of Food Security Department at the Ministry of Municipality, Hamad Hadi Al Hajri, stressed the importance of enhancing food security in Qatar through integrated strategies. The Qatar National Food Security Strategy is founded on pillars such as enhancing domestic production, establishing strategic reserves, and improving international trade relations.
Al Hajri elaborated on key initiatives, including smart agriculture, livestock production efficiency, fish farming, and modern technologies for increased agricultural productivity. He noted the importance of diversifying import sources and increasing local production competitiveness, with plans to support national companies and enhance agricultural investments abroad.
As part of the conference, a panel discussion was held on building sustainable communities in arid regions, featuring experts from Qatar and beyond. Lulwa Al Kuwari from MoECC emphasized Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action, reflecting its early commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The establishment of the World Food Forum (WFF) Qatar National Youth Chapter at the conference marked a milestone in youth-led sustainability efforts. Led by Youth Chair Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, the initiative aims to empower young leaders to champion sustainable agrifood systems.
The conference also featured workshops and training sessions on topics like IoT-enabled agriculture and machine learning applications for food security, highlighting the role of technology in developing sustainable solutions. The event underscores the UDST’s Center of Excellence for Food Security and Sustainability’s role in leading research and innovation in sustainability.