During the 9th QSW Earthna Reaches Over One Million Community Members. Doha, Qatar – Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) 2024, held from September 28 to October 5, was a resounding success, bringing together members of the public, businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, and community organizations in a collective effort to promote and inspire eco-friendly practices.
This year’s event, organized by the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna)—a key arm of the Qatar Foundation—in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), achieved the highest participation rate in its nine-year history, with more than 150,000 people actively participating in around 500 activities.
QSW 2024 reflected Qatar’s increasing commitment to sustainability and its determination to address environmental challenges. This commitment was demonstrated by the wide range of activities and initiatives that sought to raise awareness and inspire change in how individuals and organizations approach sustainability. The goal was to foster a culture that prioritizes sustainable practices in every aspect of life—whether at home, in the workplace, or within the broader community.
During the 9th QSW Earthna Reaches Over One Million Community Members
One of the most notable achievements of Qatar Sustainability Week 2024 was the scale of its outreach. Over 1 million people were reached through media campaigns, social media, and in-person initiatives. A particularly impactful contribution came from the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which integrated sustainability themes into the Friday sermon on October 4, providing a spiritual and practical call to action for Qatar’s residents to adopt more eco-friendly habits.
Earthna and its partner organizations amplified these efforts through robust media campaigns that promoted the goals of QSW and engaged with the public on critical environmental issues. These campaigns helped raise awareness on the importance of sustainability and how simple changes in daily habits can have a profound impact on reducing environmental footprints.
A Unifying Event for All Sectors of Society
Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Earthna, emphasized the significance of Qatar Sustainability Week as an annual event that unites diverse sectors of society in the pursuit of sustainability. He noted, “By bringing together government, schools and universities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the community, we aim to foster a unified commitment across Qatar to address sustainability challenges, and promote a healthier world for generations to come.”
The enthusiasm demonstrated during QSW 2024 exceeded expectations, showcasing the commitment of various stakeholders to make a positive environmental impact. As Dr. Castro de la Mata remarked, the overwhelming support from partners and contributors was essential to the success of the event, and this collaboration sets a solid foundation for future initiatives.
Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC) 2024
One of the key highlights of QSW 2024 was the inaugural Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC) 2024, held on October 1-2. For the first time, this dialogue became a central part of Qatar Sustainability Week, bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, academic experts, and representatives from non-governmental organizations to discuss Qatar’s climate challenges and opportunities.
The QNDCC served as a critical platform for fostering cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on developing actionable strategies to mitigate climate risks and enhance resilience. This event highlighted the essential role of partnerships in addressing climate change, as illustrated by the participation of key players such as the German Embassy Doha, the German Industry & Commerce Office in Doha, the Al-Attiyah Foundation, QNB, and DHL Express Qatar.
By facilitating these vital conversations, QNDCC is helping to shape national climate policies and ensure that sustainability remains at the forefront of Qatar’s development agenda. Cross-sector engagement is crucial in ensuring that Qatar can meet its environmental goals while continuing to grow its economy in a sustainable manner.
A Diverse Range of Activities
Qatar Sustainability Week 2024 offered an impressive variety of activities designed to educate and inspire participants to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. These activities, ranging from workshops, seminars, and exhibitions to hands-on environmental projects, catered to different audiences—from schoolchildren and university students to business professionals and community groups.
Each activity was geared toward providing practical insights into how individuals and organizations can incorporate sustainability practices into their daily lives. For businesses, the focus was on creating eco-friendly workplaces, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable supply chain practices. For individuals and families, the activities emphasized simple, everyday changes that contribute to environmental conservation, such as reducing water consumption, recycling, and using energy-efficient appliances.
Moreover, the diverse array of activities during QSW 2024 underscored the idea that sustainability is not limited to a single sector or area of life—it touches all aspects of society. This inclusive approach ensured that participants from various backgrounds could find valuable information and take meaningful actions that align with their unique circumstances.
Looking Ahead to QSW 2025
Building on the tremendous success of Qatar Sustainability Week 2024, Earthna and its partners are already planning for the event’s tenth anniversary in 2025. Dr. Castro de la Mata expressed his excitement about the future, noting that Earthna will continue to strengthen its efforts to promote sustainability across Qatar. The 2025 edition will build on the lessons learned from this year’s event and further enhance the dialogue around sustainability, bringing even more participants into the fold.
As Qatar continues to grow and develop, events like Qatar Sustainability Week will play a crucial role in ensuring that sustainability remains a core focus of the nation’s vision for the future. By fostering a culture of environmental awareness and action, Qatar is positioning itself as a leader in the global sustainability movement.
Conclusion
Qatar Sustainability Week 2024 was a resounding success, uniting a wide range of participants in the shared goal of promoting and advancing sustainable practices. From the government to the private sector, from academic institutions to community groups, this event showcased Qatar’s collective commitment to addressing climate change and building a more sustainable future. The participation of over 150,000 people in 500 activities demonstrated the depth of interest and enthusiasm for sustainability across the country.
As Qatar prepares for the tenth edition of Qatar Sustainability Week in 2025, the achievements of 2024 will serve as a strong foundation for future progress. Through continued collaboration and engagement, Qatar is set to lead the way in creating a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
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