Doha, March 09 (QNA) – HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, attended the closing ceremony of Earthna Summit 2023, which was held over two days at Msheireb Downtown Doha, to highlight the efforts of the State of Qatar and hot and arid zones in addressing climate change.
The session was attended by HE Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF) Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani.
The Executive Director of Earthna Center Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, presented his vision of the difference in the concepts of sustainability between countries and climates, highlighting the needs of countries with hot and dry climates that are different from the needs of countries with tropical climates, pointing out that the State of Qatar’s economy is not based on renewable natural resources, but rather relies on non-renewable natural resources such as gas, whose revenues are used to support its human wealth, establish infrastructure, build a balance of reserves and pump investments.
He added that it is necessary to understand sustainability in this context, stressing that global sustainability paths must be modified in accordance with the unique and challenging climatic nature of the country, whether in Qatar or other hot and dry countries.
Dr. Gonzalo also stressed on one of the most important outputs of the summit, which is the importance of cultural heritage and local knowledge as a means of inspiration for modern models of sustainability.
During the session, the speakers discussed the need to empower the younger generation and include them in governance discussions related to the future of the planet, among other main topics addressed in the summit, including the role of youth today in the field of sustainability.
For his part, HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Climate Change and Sustainability and Executive Director of the Global Dryland Alliance Bader Omar Ismail Al Dafa, said that he is pleased that youth today are participating in these discussions, as they are the leaders of tomorrow, and their participation at this age stage is important, because listening to them and knowing their views is a major part of the decision-making process.
Three students who are members of the Qatar Academy Doha’s Activists in Action group, Noura Faisal Al Dosari, Sara Faisal Al Dosari, and Hamad Nasser Al-Thani, also joined the discussion with the experts and participated in asking questions.
The summit provided the public with the opportunity to visit Earthna Village”, which showcases local practices for sustainability and a series of short interactive discussions. (QNA)
Source: Qatar News Agency