Prince Charles meets Qataris working on Environmental Initiatives
HRH The Prince of Wales and the British Embassy Host Meeting with more than 40 Qataris Working on Environmental Initiatives
Photo Courtesy of Chris Jackson - Getty Images
Thursday morning His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales met with more than 40 Qataris who are leading a variety of environmental projects and initiatives across the nation. Organised by the British Embassy in Qatar, the event invited discussion on issues ranging from marine research and renewable energy to conservation, sustainable development and food security. Qatar University President H.E. Dr. Sheikha Al Misnad and Qatar National Food Security Programme Executive Chairman Mr. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiya greeted HRH the Prince of Wales at the event held in the Museum of Islamic Art Park.
Against the backdrop of Doha’s evolving skyline, HRH the Prince of Wales heard from leaders such as Dr. Saif Al-Hajari, founder of the Friends of the Environment Centre and Sheikha Noor Al Thani, co-founder of Doha Oasis, as they discussed the role civil society is playing in creating greater awareness and providing opportunities for action on environmental issues. Leaders in business and industry including Green Gulf CEO Omran Al-Kuwari joined with scientists and researchers such as Dr. Yousef Al-Horr of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development to champion opportunities created through innovation. Young Qataris from Reach Out To Asia and Qatar Foundation International took part in celebrating both local and international projects led by youth. Representatives of Qatar University’s Environmental Studies Centre joined their President to speak about current collaboration with the UK’s Bangor University on the preservation of Qatari coastal habitats, such as mangroves and seagrass beds, and plans for future marine research links.
Rounding out the event, representatives from a variety of government-led initiatives shared how environmental commitments and the Qatar National Vision 2030 are being delivered through the first ever carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup, a wide range of national projects, and the recently completed National Food Security Plan.
In his opening presentation to the group, Mr. Justin Mundy, Director of the Prince’s International Sustainability Unit (ISU) said:
Environmental challenges across our planet demand that we work together as never before.
HRH The Prince of Wales established the ISU to facilitate discussion and action towards resolving some of the key environmental challenges facing the world – such as food security, ecosystem resilience and the depletion of Natural Capital. I know those of us here who share in that vision, are encouraged to see the great things that are being accomplished in Qatar as we work towards this common goal.
The hour-long event marked one of several stops for HRH The Prince of Wales in his second visit to the State of Qatar over the past year.
Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Mr Nicholas Hopton said:
The visit of His Royal Highness has provided an excellent opportunity to bring together environmental researchers, youth activists, negotiators, businesses and government officials each with their own particular view of the environmental challenges Qatar and the wider world faces. Cross-cutting discussions such as this are important and necessary as Qatar moves forward with its 2030 National Vision. I am always encouraged to meet and hear from people who are working to make a difference in their communities and for the world we share.