Doha, Qatar, September 17, 2024 – To prepare Qatar for the upcoming COP29 climate negotiations set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Qatar Office hosted a capacity-building workshop titled “Strategic Pathways for COP29.” This event, attended by over 50 officials from government and key stakeholders, offered valuable insights into the key negotiation topics for COP29, aiming to enhance awareness and understanding of the issues discussed at climate negotiations.

The workshop offered a comprehensive overview of critical issues expected to shape COP29 such as an in-depth analysis of outcomes from the recent UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies 60 (SB60) sessions. Participants also gained valuable insights into significant topics such as the Mitigation Work Programme, Just Transition efforts, and advancements on Article 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, as well as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance. The session also included discussions on the Global Goal on Adaptation, offering a broad perspective on the evolving global strategies for adaptation.

Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Al-Sada, Assistant Undersecretary of Climate Change affairs at MECC, emphasized that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today, pointing out that its negative impacts extend to all aspects of life, including human life and sustainable development pathways.

In his speech delivered during the workshop, Al-Sada said: “These challenges are interconnected across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, requiring comprehensive strategies to address them, along with enhanced international cooperation and joint efforts among countries to find effective and sustainable solutions.”

He stressed that Qatar is fully committed to its obligations under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, and relevant international agreements. He further affirmed that the country has launched a series of national policies and programs to combat the impacts of climate change and adapt to its effects, including the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the National Climate Change Action Plan 2030, and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

Mr. Chiden Balmes, Acting Head of GGGI Qatar Office, emphasized that, “As a nation with significant resources and influence, Qatar has both the opportunity and responsibility to lead by example. Qatar’s position in these negotiations is not just a matter of international prestige but offering a genuine, meaningful, and impactful contribution to the global community. Because climate ambition is more than just targets and timelines; it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods—in Qatar and beyond.”

As Qatar prepares for COP29, this workshop plays a crucial role in equipping its delegation with the necessary skills and strategies to represent national interests effectively during the COP29 negotiations, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22. The workshop also aligns with Qatar’s broader commitment to the Qatar National Vision 2030, driving both national and international climate action.