DOHA, QATAR – May 21, 2023 – In preparation for the upcoming Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB60) in Bonn, and the Conference of Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Qatar Office, in collaboration with the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), Integral Consult, and Perspectives Climate Group (PCG) organized a capacity-building workshop to equip Qatari stakeholders with knowledge on key concepts of the international climate regime and the UNFCCC COP processes, with emphasis on processes, format, and thematic areas to be addressed by the Bonn Climate Change Conference.
Convening around 50 officials from the government and civil society organizations, the event also trained the participants on practical insights and high-level strategies to leverage the climate negotiations in Bonn and COP29.
H.E. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, affirmed that climate change is a top priority for Qatar: “Governments and institutions are striving to develop comprehensive strategies and plans to confront the effects of climate change and adapt to it. The State of Qatar did not hesitate to strengthen its commitment to the Paris Agreement for Sustainable Development by launching a package of national policies and programs that include the National Strategy for Environment and Climate Change, the National Action Plan for Climate Change 2030, and also the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).” He emphasized that “these policies contribute effectively to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve a balance between economic growth, social development and environmental services.”
H.E also extended his deepest thanks and appreciation to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Qatar and the Mitsubishi Research Institute for the distinguished partnership hoping that the workshop’s discussions and recommendations will contribute to crystallizing goals and proposing mechanisms to achieve what Qatar aspire to tackling climate change and mitigating its effects.
GGGI MENA Regional Director Mr. Mahamadou Tounkara highlighted, “The cooperation between GGGI and the State of Qatar started way back during the establishment of the Organization, with Qatar as one of the Founding Members.” He added, “Enhancing the regional and global profile of Qatar as Champion of Green Growth is at the heart of GGGI’s support. Strategic partnerships and alliances are key to achieving the vision and the mission. This support initiative jointly developed together with Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) is a good example of how to translate the partnership.”
Mr. Tounkara also emphasized the importance of the workshop that “MECC and GGGI are jointly organizing” noting that it “will be the forum to enhance the capacity of public officials on the key concepts of the international climate regime and the UNFCCC COP processes.”
The workshop was developed and delivered by a team of GGGI and MRI staff. Invited experts include Dr. Amr Osama Abdel-Aziz (Chairman, Integral Consult), Mr. Kenichiro Yamaguchi (Research Director, MRI), Mr. Gebru Jember Endalew (Regional Lead, GGGI), and Ms. Laila Darouich (Head, Perspective). The event is part of GGGI Qatar’s capacity-building initiative under the MECC-GGGI Cooperation Program on climate change and green growth.