(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
The Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Muhamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi has launched Qatar Green Building Council's (QGBC) Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) 2017.
QSW is a week-long event held under the patronage of H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, taking place from October 28 to November 4.
The opening of QSW 2017 included the start of one of the week's most prominent events: the third edition of the Qatar Green Building Conference, held under the patronage of H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
In his opening speech, The Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi said that Qatar, under the wise leadership of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is keen to achieve Qatar's development vision to become an economic model based on knowledge.
'Preserving the natural environment for future generations requires radical solutions to the great challenge of developing a new economic model that does not depend on oil and gas-based industries and ensures sustainability for future generations, HE Al Rumaihi added.
HE the Minister stated that Qatar has a variety of natural resources, but these resources are limited and the current rate of consumption is not sustainable, noting that each nation's survival and growth depends, directly or indirectly, on the conservation of its resources and environment in a sustainable manner.
His Excellency further pointed that Qatar National Vision 2030 is a future strategy for development and an essential component of sustainability, as it aims to expedite the development of the State of Qatar by balancing economic growth with human and natural resources.
'Environmental development is one of the four main pillars of this vision and it defines the way to achieve balance between development needs and environmental protection, and that the realization of the vision of Qatar is the responsibility of the all the categories and sectors of the Qatari society, said the Minister.
He added that the need to develop institutional capacities and support the partnership between the public and private sectors to be able to meet the current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs as well.
Al Rumaihi also stressed that sustainability is a point of concern for all in Qatar, and the government has a prominent role in promoting sustainability through systems, policies and economic incentives, emphasizing the safety of the environment using the latest technologies, programs, plans and researches as well as supporting others in terms of sustainability awareness in local society.
He added that QGBC's organizing of Qatar Sustainability Week is vital and important as a unique platform that enhances the vision of sustainability at home and brings together the diverse community of sustainability in the public and private sectors and provides an ideal opportunity for the people of Qatar to learn more about initiatives and efforts for providing a sustainable and healthy society.
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment is keen to achieve sustainable development that preserves natural resources and develop them for future generations by assessing the environmental impacts of projects and achieving the objectives of the environmental sustainability system by encouraging the expansion of green buildings, HE the Minister explained.
The success of sustainable development depends mainly on the private sector as well as the government and society, HE the Minister said pointing to the importance of environmental responsibility and the sustainable use of natural resources and the balance between meeting the immediate needs and the requirements of preserving the environment and to absorb the shift in demand for consumer goods, which is a key element in the positive change phase.
The conference brings together industry leaders and sustainability experts to address and showcase their innovative solutions to Qatar's and the region's most pressing environmental challenges. The conference will run from October 29-30, and will feature a range of sessions covering three inclusive themes: ‘Future Sustainable Cities', ‘Green Business is Good Business', and ‘Sustainability as a Lifestyle'.
QSW is designed to actively engage Qatar's public and private sector organizations in a wide range of sustainability-oriented activities. The event aims to foster a culture of sustainability among residents and visitors, as well as to promote engagement from members of the community. This is in line with ultimately achieving the global sustainability goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.
Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Naimi, Chief Operations Officer, QF, said: 'Qatar Foundation has always placed sustainability firmly at the forefront of its agenda. Engineer Meshal Al Shamari, Director, QGBC, said: 'The effectiveness of Qatar Sustainability Week 2017 is determined by the active participation of the various partners from both the private and public sectors. QSW 2017 has more than 70 partners and 150 events.
'This initiative plays a crucial role in raising awareness among the wider community, while showcasing the incredible milestones Qatar has reached in the areas of sustainability and green buildings. We're honored to have the backing of all the supporting partners and look forward to welcoming Qatar's residents to the variety of events taking place throughout the week. QSW 2017 will host a number of activities, including a bridge-building competition, a photography competition, and a beach and desert clean-up, as well as the renowned Qatar Sustainability Awards.
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