(MENAFN - The Peninsula) The Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, has said that Qatar's energy and industry sector would ensure the involvement of a higher number of companies and organisation to fulfil the mandate of its sustainable development agenda, from the year 2012.
The Minister was talking to the media after the launch of the country's first Sustainable Development Industry (SDI) report followed by an appreciation ceremony at Marriot Hotel yesterday.
This year 17 companies have got involved in preparing the SDI report. Some 30-35 companies and organizations will take part in the process in 2012, he said.
The documents highlights various SD initiatives and programmes implemented by the industry operators, including reduction in gas flaring, climate change mitigation efforts, fresh water production, oil spill containment and management of industrial waste.
Earlier, addressing the event, the minister said sustainable development has taken the centre stage among many nations, bringing about effective integration of economic, environmental and social needs of their societies. In essence, sustainability has become the cornerstone of a nation's future success.
"It is, therefore, essential for us to appreciate the concept and essence of sustainable development and align ourselves with utmost diligence and care to execute our responsibilities that emanate from this concept", he said.
The minister said companies and organisations are increasingly being evaluated internationally by various stakeholders on the environmental impact of their operations, their activities in the communities in which they operate, their treatment of employees, and how they respond to the needs of society at large.
By embracing sustainability reporting, we can demonstrate our contribution to the long-term growth and development of the industry sector while ensuring alignment with the 2030 vision. By incorporating transparency, innovation and integration of sustainability initiatives, an organization can create lasting value for itself, its shareholders and society.
Dr Al Sada said the transition to a sustainable economy in Qatar, like other GCC countries, should take into consideration the challenges, available opportunities, as well as the socio-economic and environmental reality in the region. Achieving sustainable development in Qatar's Energy and Industry Sector faces several challenges. They include ensuring world-class sustainable development performance, addressing environment and ecological concerns and addressing unsustainable consumption and production.
Dr Al Sada honoured 17 companies with certificates of appreciation. The companies that were given recognitions were Dolphin Energy, Maersk Oil, Nakilat, Occidental Petroleum, Oryx GTL, Qatar Chemical Company, Qatar Fertilizer Company, Qatar Fuel Additives Company, Qatar Petrochemical Company, Qatar Shell, Qatar Vinyl Company, Qatargas, Ras Girtas Power Company, RasGas, Seef Ltd, Total E&P Qatar, and Wintershall Holding.
The project is being launched by QP's HSE Regulations and Enforcement Directorate.
