Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2026 commences in Doha

The Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2026 opened in Doha on Monday. Hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) in partnership with Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a Qatari Foundation entity, the gathering features climate change specialists from various sectors and government decision-makers.

Minister Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie emphasized that adapting to climate change is vital for future planning, resource protection, sector readiness, and quality of life preservation. He stressed that accelerated climate changes demand treating adaptation as a core planning element, not a standalone environmental concern.

Qatar has environmental protection and sustainability as national priorities, with the National Vision 2030 prioritizing development within a healthy environment and sustainable resources.

Qatar's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is a key step in addressing climate adaptation, focusing not only on what should be done but also on effective implementation and responsibility allocation. No single entity can achieve climate adaptation alone; water, food, energy, infrastructure, public health, and biodiversity are interconnected with climate change.

Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future's Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata highlighted that the NAP provides a comprehensive strategic framework to tackle climate vulnerabilities and enhance resilience across multiple sectors. Dialogue aims to transform this framework into coordinated and effective measures, emphasizing Earthna's commitment to strengthening evidence-based climate policies and practical action.

UNDP Technical Representative Dr. Biplove Choudhary stressed that integrating climate risks into development policies is crucial for effective adaptation. He called for integrating climate adaptation into broader public investment and development finance, alongside strengthening local capacity, knowledge, and operational skills. The two-day dialogue covers water, energy, industry, agriculture, infrastructure, public health, and biodiversity.