Qatar strengthens global role in addressing environmental challenges: Minister
DOHA: Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE DrAbdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has affirmed that the State of Qatar is strengthening its global role in addressing growing environmental challenges, most notably plastic pollution, and strongly supports the path to sustainable development. He pointed out that World Environment Day represents an important international occasion to renew collective commitment to protecting planet Earth and promoting the concept of environmental sustainability.
In press statements on the occasion of World Environment Day, which falls on June 5 of every year, he said that the theme of this year 'Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,' reflects the importance of unifying international efforts to combat this phenomenon, calling for a just international agreement aimed at reducing plastic pollution, taking into account the circumstances of developing countries and their rights to development.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is implementing a package of policies and initiatives to reduce plastic pollution, as part of its commitment to the principles of sustainable development and achieving a better environmental quality of life for current and future generations. The ministry is also continuing its efforts regionally and internationally in compliance with multilateral environmental agreements, he noted.
The State of Qatar is working on developing an infrastructure that supports recycling operations by sorting waste at the source, collecting it, processing it, and converting it into reusable products, with the goal of reducing dependence on natural resources and enhancing their efficient use, he added.
Dr Al Subaie also pointed out that, in this context, the ministry launched several initiatives in this regard, including encouraging investment in the establishment of specialized recycling centers and developing legislative and regulatory frameworks to ensure the sustainability of these operations, in cooperation with various government and private entities.
In regard to joint international action, he highlighted the State of Qatar's active participation in the sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, pointing out that Qatar presented its vision at the fifth session held in 2024 in Busan, South Korea, during a side event on ending plastic pollution.
During the event, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change emphasized the importance of enabling developing countries to access modern recycling technologies, which will enhance environmental justice and contribute to achieving the goals of the anticipated international agreement.
Prior to this session, the ministry organized a regional meeting in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), during which representatives of the GCC countries participated in the meeting to discuss the proposed wording of the legal instrument, DrAl Subaie said, adding that a unified Gulf position was prepared, which was later adopted as a joint Arab position.
He also pointed out that the ministry has implemented several projects in cooperation with international bodies, including the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to develop environmental monitoring programs and monitor plastic particles in the marine environment, as part of the regional project 'RAS7038.'
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change concluded his statements by reiterating Qatar's commitment to implementing its national and international environmental pledges, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030, by promoting sustainable environmental policies, supporting environmental innovation, and expanding international partnerships. He also stressed that combating plastic pollution requires concerted global efforts to create a balanced and safe environment for current and future generations.
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