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Observer
02-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Earthna Summit highlights intersection of tradition and sustainability
DOHA: The second edition of the Earthna Summit, highlighting the relationship between traditional practices and sustainability, was recently held in Doha, Qatar. Organised by Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future under Qatar Foundation, the event was held under the theme 'Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge'. The two-day summit was inaugurated by Shaikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. It brought together global and local leaders, scientists, architects, activists, and artists to spotlight how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can inform modern solutions to environmental challenges. In her keynote address, Shaikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, highlighted the importance of tailored context-based solutions to global environmental challenges: 'So many outcomes and policies have emerged from past summits that amazed everyone — yet when it came to implementation, nothing materialised on the ground. Generic, pre-packaged policies and recommendations cannot be imposed on a planet as geographically and climatically diverse as ours. Human experiences with nature vary not only from one place to another, and from one environment to another, but even from one era to the next. This is what drives us to insist that the outcomes of our gathering must be tailored to our own culture, civilisation, geography and climate. Every proposal must be rooted in the context to which it belongs — its land, environment, and nature — without being dazzled by models that do not resemble us in geography, history, or culture.' Shaikha Hind further added: 'We are determined that the outcomes of this Summit grow from the ground beneath our own feet, shaped by our culture, our land, our weather, and our ways. We want this gathering — and others like it — to be spaces where we come together in recognition of our fitrah, the innate human nature within us all, that calls us to uphold what is just, what is generous, and what is in harmony with the world around us.' Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al Subaie, also delivered a keynote at the summit reiterating the significance of ancestral knowledge, 'The theme of this summit — 'Building Our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge' — is not just a motto, but a guiding pillar we hope will shape this gathering and the path beyond it. It represents our aspiration to revive a wave of profound knowledge that our ancestors once possessed — knowledge they skilfully employed to preserve their natural heritage,' he stated. 'Our ancestors demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to their surroundings and live in harmony with nature, drawing on inherited wisdom. This was reflected in all aspects of life—from climate-adapted architecture and sustainable farming practices to responsible fishing methods that ensured the protection of marine resources. These forms of knowledge are not theoretical; they are valuable lessons that can be reframed in a contemporary context to support environmental sustainability today,' he added. The summit also included an award ceremony that highlighted projects which integrate traditional knowledge and innovation to address environmental challenges. Selected from 400 submissions from over 100 countries, the winners of the first edition of the 2025 Biennial Earthna Prize received a prize of $1 million shared amongst the four winners. Winners included Cameroon based The Farmer Tantoh Foundation, which engaged communities in spring protection and indigenous water purification, Colombia-based (Wuasikamas Ëconeêrã) by Fundación Suma Kausai which utilised indigenous ecological knowledge to mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity, Kenya based (Seeds of Change Initiative) by Blooming World International for reviving traditional agriculture and empowering women and youth; and Thriving Fishers, Thriving Oceans by Blue Ventures for restoring tropical fisheries through community partnerships in Kenya, Senegal, Indonesia, Madagascar, Belize. The Executive Director of Earthna, Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, shared the following, "The Earthna Prize recognises solutions that draw on deep-rooted knowledge and collective experience to address today's environmental challenges. Our winners demonstrate that true innovation is not just about new technologies — it is also about revitalising and adapting time-tested practices for a sustainable future. Their work serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and progress are built on the practices we already possess, reimagined for the needs of our time." Events of the summit included various panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions that explored topics including climate change, water security, food security and culture and sustainability. Additionally, the summit included 'The Earthna Village', a parallel exhibition open to the public which served as a community hub and included a variety of activities, panel discussions and workshops. HIGHLIGHTS The two-day summit brought together global and local leaders, scientists, architects, activists, and artists to spotlight how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can inform modern solutions to environmental challenges
Zawya
24-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
QF's Earthna Summit 2025 concludes with strengthened foundations for future collaboration
Doha, Qatar: The Earthna Summit 2025, organized by Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation, concluded today after two transformative days of cross-sector collaboration, bold ideas, and inclusive dialogue under the theme 'Building Our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation, and Traditional Knowledge'. The Summit drew more than 2,000 attendees, further solidifying Earthna's role as a leading convenor for sustainability innovation in hot and arid regions. Day two opened with a session titled 'Women Leading Collaboration: Partnerships for Sustainable Development', which emphasized the crucial role women play in advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The panel brought together leaders from government, diplomacy, and the development sector, focusing on how inclusive leadership is shaping effective partnerships, new financing models, and policies, to accelerate global sustainability efforts. 'It is time to support their leadership with the tools and resources they need, and to walk alongside them in shaping a more collaborative and equitable future. The moment to act together is not coming: it is already here,' said H.E. Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and founding partner and CEO of onepoint5. 'Change does not happen in isolation. It happens when we invest, innovate, and generate impact together.' Her Excellency Dr. Hamda Al-Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, also spoke during the session, underlining the importance of advancing SDG 17. 'It is the voices, vision, and values of women that are forging the most resilient and transformative pathways toward a more sustainable and equitable world,' she remarked. Curated networking was also a major focus, paving the way for high-level panels later in the day that addressed pressing environmental challenges—from sustainability frameworks beyond GDP to the role of faith-based approaches in advancing environmental stewardship. Another highlight of the Summit was the plenary session on the Arid Cities Network, where leaders advanced plans for a groundbreaking alliance aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing of climate solutions for arid urban centers. 'What I've witnessed here is more than a summit—it's a movement,' said Rafael López Aliaga, Mayor of Lima. 'Over the past two days, I've had the honor of reconnecting with peers and engaging with inspiring individuals from across sectors and around the world. There's a shared energy here—everyone is eager to go home, stay connected, and continue driving forward toward real, scalable solutions. This momentum is only the beginning, and I want to thank Earthna for bringing us all together.' The roundtable conversations tackled pressing issues, including the challenges facing displaced populations, the insights found in traditional urbanism, and the critical need for regional air quality coordination. Meanwhile, the interactive Agora Sessions and Earthna Village spotlighted community-led solutions, social enterprises, and grassroots innovation, with a discussion examining how traditional architecture and heritage preservation can play a pivotal role in rebuilding cities after conflict, fostering resilience, and reclaiming community identity. 'It has been an honor to host the Earthna Summit in Msheireb—a living example of what sustainable urban innovation can achieve in arid environments,' said Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties. 'Cities like ours face immense challenges, but through collaboration, shared knowledge, and bold thinking, we can shape resilient cities for generations to come.' The Summit was delivered in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, alongside corporate and content partners. These included QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University's Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute and College of Islamic Studies, QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Woqod, Msheireb Properties, QF-founded QatarDebate, Ashghal, QF's Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women, the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, and QF's Doha Debates, World Innovation Summit for Health, and global education initiative WISE. International collaborations included the Middle East Council for Global Affairs, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Caravane Earth, AIA Middle East, Royal Holloway University of London, the Climate Governance Commission, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the King's Foundation, and the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU). Earthna Village came to life through dynamic collaborations with the International Trade Center, Hamad Bin Khalifa University's Qur'anic Botanic Garden, Torba Naturals, Zero Waste Design, Carvers, INTBAU, QF partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar, Royal Thai Embassy, DADU, Hadiqaa, Heenat Salma, and QF's Herfah at Al Khater House program. Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna) is a non-profit policy, research, and advocacy organization, established by Qatar Foundation (QF) to promote and enable a coordinated approach to environmental, social, and economic sustainability and prosperity. Earthna is a facilitator of sustainability efforts and action in Qatar and other hot and arid countries, focusing on sustainability frameworks, circular economies, energy transition, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems, cities and the built environment, and education, ethics, and faith. By bringing together technical experts, researchers, government and non-government organizations, businesses, civil society, and policy and decision-makers, Earthna fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive change. Using their home—Education City—as a testbed, Earthna develops and trials sustainable solutions and evidence-based policies for Qatar and hot and arid regions. The organization is committed to combining modern thinking with traditional knowledge, contributing to the well-being of society by creating a legacy of sustainability within a thriving natural environment. Qatar Foundation – 30 Years of Unlocking Human Potential Qatar Foundation (QF) is a non-profit organization which, for 30 years, has supported the sustainable human, social, and economic development of Qatar through entities, programs, and initiatives focused on education, science and research, and community development. QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, who shared the vision of providing quality education for everyone in Qatar. In the three decades since, this vision has evolved into a globally unique, multidisciplinary ecosystem of knowledge – offering opportunities for lifelong learning, fostering innovation, and empowering people to be socially engaged citizens and drivers of positive change. This diverse but interconnected ecosystem comprises a world-class education landscape spanning the full spectrum of learning from pre-school to post-doctoral level; research, innovation, and policy centers addressing some of the world's greatest challenges facing the world; alongside community facilities for people of all ages to seek knowledge, embrace active lifestyles, and expand their horizons within QF's Education City, spanning 12 square kilometers in Doha, Qatar. With its efforts concentrated on generating impact in five key areas – progressive education, sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, precision health, and social progress – QF remains committed, as it has been for the past 30 years, to investing in Qatar and its people, and contributing to shaping a better world for all.
Ammon
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
Earthna's Call for People-Powered Water Solutions
Ammon News - *The Water Crisis Needs More Than Tech — It Needs UsBy Batool GhaithDoha - Under the theme 'Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge', the 2025 Earthna Summit highlighted the importance of trusting people over technology in the fight against water second Earthna Summit, held on April 22–23 in Doha, Qatar, brought together global experts, policymakers, and community leaders to explore sustainable solutions tailored for hot and arid environments. The summit emphasised the integration of ancestral wisdom with modern innovations to address pressing environmental by the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a non-profit policy research and advocacy center established by Qatar Foundation, the event featured expert panels, interactive discussions, and community-driven exhibitions across session titled 'Water Scarcity: Exploring Sustainable Solutions for Resilience', focused on water as both a quantity and quality Witmer, a teaching associate professor, said 'our biggest challenge is assuming we already have the answers, as technology sometimes makes us feel stuck.'She emphasized the importance of respecting knowledge, regardless of whether it comes from academic institutions or traditional experience. 'If we do not respect the knowledge that exists where we are working, we cannot solve any problems.'Rajendra Singh, Chairman of Tarun Bharat Sangh, noted that the solutions to climate-induced water challenges must begin locally.'Climate change is a global problem, but the solution is not global,' he said. 'It is a local solution rooted in traditional knowledge. Traditional knowledge is time-tested success.'Singh emphasized the importance of approaching these crises with respect for ancestral wisdom, underscoring that community-based approaches offer powerful ways a parallel view, Mansour Qadir, Deputy Director of the United Nations University Institute of Water, Environment and Health, said, 'we often ignore the critical importance of indigenous knowledge and the context in which it exists.'He emphasized that water scarcity is not only about quantity but also quality and resilience. Qadir also highlighted the need to recognize the role of women in community-based solutions. 'If we actively engage women, create ownership, and appreciate their role, we can significantly improve local water supplies.'On another note, Senior Advisor Raha Hakimdava stressed the importance of understanding and appreciating water as a living element, not just a resource.'We have learned to bring water from the sea and from the air, these are innovations we should be proud of,' she said. 'But technology alone will not solve our challenges.'Hakimdavar argued for deeper awareness of where our water comes from, as modern urban societies grow detached from its added that part of the solution lies in bringing ancestral heritage and modern science speakers agreed that successful water management depends on collaboration, not only across scientific disciplines and policy frameworks, but also through meaningful engagement with the communities most affected by water scarcity.*Empowering Communities: The Role of Women in Tackling Water Scarcity in MENAEngaging women in sustainable water practices is key to unlocking community-based solutions that address both climate change and daily survival needs, according to Mansour Qadir, Deputy Direction United Nations University Institute of Water Environment and water solutions are urgently needed in the Middle East and North Aftica (MENA) region due to accelerating climate change and deepening water as a leading expert on water scarcity and reuse, emphasised that the key is not only in high-tech interventions, but also in empowering the people most affected, especially women.'While technical solutions for global water scarcity exist, community-based interventions have tremendous potential, especially when women are fully engaged. Qadir told Ammon many isolated or rural communities, women are the ones who walk hours each day to fetch water, he explained, making them not only key stakeholders but essential agents of change.'If we engage women at the community level and create a sense of ownership, we can tremendously improve the potential of local water supplies,' he elaborated.'The whole package of clean water access, economic empowerment, and girls' education becomes possible when we recognize and invest in the role of women,' Qadir to the region's broader challenges, Qadir stressed the urgency of innovative action in one of the world's most water-stressed areas, including emphasized the need for both large-scale infrastructure and smaller, community-driven interventions that reflect the country's specific environmental realities.'Countries like Jordan face worsening water scarcity. We are seeing a mix of large-scale solutions like desalination and wastewater reuse,' he beyond the high-tech solutions, Qadir stressed the vitality of smaller, locally adapted and community-based techniques such as micro-catchment and rainwater harvesting systems.'These are applicable in those areas where the rainfall is so small, such as in the case of Jordan, where the water that drops through rainfall just goes back to the environment if we do not capture it,' he noted that establishing small-scale rainwater harvesting systems, communities could collect that water for purposes such as growing shrubs for fodder and providing water for livestock, practical steps that could make a real difference in rural also highlighted the growing interest in weather modification technologies like cloud seeding, which several countries in the MENA region are currently exploring and investing Qadir emphasised that there is no set or blanket application of all these technologies which could be used across the region.'One may work in one place, another in a different place. That's why it's so important to have collective action—not only from policymakers and professionals but from community leaders and, more importantly, the active members of the community,' he continued.'Women must be part of this collective response. Their role is critical and must not be overlooked,' Qadir stated.
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
QF's Earthna Summit returns to Doha for Second Edition
Participants from over 100 countries attended the first day of the Summit to discuss sustainable solutions for arid and hot environments Doha, Qatar: The Earthna Summit 2025 officially commenced today in Doha under the theme 'Building Our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge', bringing together local and global leaders, experts, policymakers, and youth from more than 100 countries. Organized by the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), and in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Summit coinciding with International Earth Day in Msheireb, Doha. Addressing the event, Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie said that Earthna Summit provides an important strategic platform for enhancing dialogue and coordinating efforts to address the challenges of climate change, especially in countries with hot and arid climates, most notably the GCC states. He noted the importance of dialogue and the exchange of visions based on traditional knowledge and diverse cultures in developing sustainable solutions that combine the past and the future and enhance international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. The opening session included the inaugural Earthna Prize ceremony, where four exceptional projects were honored for their outstanding environmental stewardship rooted in traditional knowledge. The Earthna Summit opening ceremony also featured an inspiring keynote by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who shared his vision for leveraging social innovation to drive sustainable development. During the day's program, Justin Mundy, Chair of Earthna, emphasized the importance of uniting global voices to address shared sustainability challenges, particularly the urgent need to reimagine climate finance. 'This year's Earthna Summit comes at a critical time—midway between COP29 and COP30,' he said. 'It's more than a gathering; it's a catalyst for action. By bringing together knowledge holders, innovators, and decision-makers, we create a space where ideas converge and evolve into tangible solutions.' Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Earthna, echoed this sentiment, saying, 'Summit attendees are united by common challenges, shared aspirations, and a commitment to measurable impact. By providing a platform that encourages dialogue, we hope to build a legacy of sustainability for future generations to carry forward.' The Summit also hosted the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism Conference, convening global experts to explore urban development rooted in traditional architecture. Earthna Village: Celebrating Sustainability Rooted in Local Tradition As the first day of the Earthna Summit came to a close, the heart of the gathering came to life with the opening of the Earthna Village. At its center, the Agora Sessions featured a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Dr. Damilola Olawuyi, UNESCO Chairholder and Professor of Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of QF; Hamza Yassin, wildlife cameraman and presenter; and Charlene Ruto, a passionate climate change activist with the SMACHS Foundation. These sessions fostered open dialogue on sustainable futures rooted in cultural context and lived experience. Attendees also engaged in hands-on workshops and exhibits, exploring traditional water conservation, natural cooling techniques, and time-honored weaving and farming practices. The Earthna Village offered a space to discover how traditional knowledge can inform and inspire future solutions. As Earthna Summit 2025 continues for a second day of dialogue, sessions, and keynotes, participants will explore deeper intersections of culture, climate, and innovation—building collective momentum toward a more sustainable future, rooted in both tradition and innovation. Research and Reports Unveiled at the Earthna Summit 2025 The first day of the Earthna Summit featured the release of several key research and policy publications focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Semiotics of Nature, jointly developed by Earthna and HBKU's College of Islamic Studies, explores the connections between nature, semiotics, and spirituality, promoting an environmental ethic rooted in both faith and science. Towards the Development of a Sustainability Framework for Qatar, produced by Earthna, Wealth Fair Economics, and the University of Sussex Business School, introduces Inclusive Wealth as a foundation for balanced development. Carbon Emissions Reduction Strategies for Qatar - A policy dossier co-authored by Earthna and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examines carbon reduction strategies aligned with Qatar's National Vision 2030. Earthna's brief 'Qatar's Ecology: An Assessment with Recommendations' assesses Qatar's ecological landscape and offers actionable recommendations for sustainability. The Earthna report 'Traditional Knowledge in Water Resource Management' highlights traditional water management practices from Oman, Spain, Peru, and Ethiopia, underscoring their role in climate resilience and community-led conservation. Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna) is a non-profit policy, research, and advocacy organisation, established by Qatar Foundation (QF) to promote and enable a coordinated approach to environmental, social, and economic sustainability and prosperity. Earthna is a facilitator of sustainability efforts and action in Qatar and other hot and arid countries, focusing on sustainability frameworks, circular economies, energy transition, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems, cities and the built environment, and education, ethics, and faith. By bringing together technical experts, researchers, government and non-government organisations, businesses, civil society, and policy and decision-makers, Earthna fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive change. Using their home Education City as a testbed, Earthna develops and trials sustainable solutions and evidence-based policies for Qatar and hot and arid regions. The organisation is committed to combining modern thinking with traditional knowledge, contributing to the well-being of society by creating a legacy of sustainability within a thriving natural environment. For more information about Earthna please visit: To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: Qatar Foundation – 30 Years of Unlocking Human Potential Qatar Foundation (QF) is a non-profit organisation which, for 30 years, has supported the sustainable human, social, and economic development of Qatar through entities, programs, and initiatives focused on education, science and research, and community development. QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, who shared the vision of providing quality education for everyone in Qatar. In the three decades since, this vision has evolved into a globally unique, multidisciplinary ecosystem of knowledge – offering opportunities for lifelong learning, fostering innovation, and empowering people to be socially engaged citizens and drivers of positive change. This diverse but interconnected ecosystem comprises a world-class education landscape spanning the full spectrum of learning from pre-school to post-doctoral level; research, innovation, and policy centres addressing some of the world's greatest challenges facing the world; alongside community facilities for people of all ages to seek knowledge, embrace active lifestyles, and expand their horizons within QF's Education City, spanning 12 square kilometres in Doha, Qatar. With its efforts concentrated on generating impact in five key areas – progressive education, sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, precision health, and social progress – QF remains committed, as it has been for the past 30 years, to investing in Qatar and its people, and contributing to shaping a better world for all. For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@
