DOHA, QATAR – September 25–26, 2023: In preparation for the upcoming COP28 in the UAE, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Qatar Office organized a two-day capacity-building workshop to equip Qatari stakeholders with knowledge on the scientific and policy landscape of climate change, and insights to making a profound impact on global climate negotiations. Convening around 40 officials from the government and civil society organizations, the event also trained the participants on practical insights and high-level strategies to leverage COP 28.

The first day of the workshop covered an introduction to climate change and global regimes, the Nationally Determined Contributions, carbon markets, climate transparency frameworks, and climate finance, among other technical concepts. Meanwhile, the second day discussed climate negotiation processes, COP procedures and protocols, and the key agenda for this year’s COP.

Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Al-Sada, Assistant Undersecretary of Climate Change affairs at MECC, affirmed that climate change is a top priority for Qatar. “We’ve embraced our role as an active partner in the global effort to combat climate change, and our progress reflects our unwavering commitments under the Paris Agreement, aligning with the goals outlined in Qatar’s National Vision 2030. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to GGGI for collaborating on this critical initiative, further reinforcing our dedication to addressing the impacts of the changing climate.”

GGGI Qatar Program Acting Head Chiden Balmes highlighted the workshop’s significance in promoting awareness about climate change issues and raising ambition to address them. “We urge all participants to engage actively,” he asserted. “Understanding the intricacies of climate negotiation processes at COP is paramount and it could open doors to stronger climate action and green growth. Together, we can be catalysts for change both in Qatar and on the global stage.”

The workshop was developed and delivered by a team of GGGI staff and the Chairman at Integral Consult Dr. Amr Osama Abdel-Aziz, who brings an extensive experience in climate negotiation processes. The event is part of GGGI Qatar’s capacity-building initiative under the MECC-GGGI Cooperation Program on climate change and green growth.

About the Qatar Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC):

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change specializes in protecting the environment, preserving its resources, and reducing emissions that cause climate change. The MECC was established in accordance with the decision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State, No. (57) of 2021, to specify the functions of the ministries, which includes in its 8th article; the competence of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Learn more about MECC at: https://www.mecc.gov.qa/en/home/

About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Qatar Office:

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Qatar Office aims to support the State of Qatar in achieving the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV), which puts emphasis on economic diversification and balanced social, economic, and environmental development with a strong link to human development. GGGI Qatar is currently implementing a multi-year cooperation program on climate action and green economy with the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, which is also the host and focal entity of GGGI in the State of Qatar.

Learn more about GGGI Qatar at: https://gggi.org/country/qatar/

About the Conference of Parties (COP28):

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is a crucial annual gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It serves as a global forum for nations to discuss, negotiate, and collaborate on strategies to combat climate change. Each COP plays a critical role in shaping international climate policies, agreements, and commitments, making it an important platform for nations to address the global challenges posed by climate change. A key task for the COP is to review the national communications and emission inventories submitted by Parties. Based on this information, the COP assesses the effects of the measures taken by the Parties and the progress made in achieving the ultimate objective of the Convention. Hosted in the UAE from 30 November to 12 December, COP28 is the latest leg of this annual event and shall convene world leaders, experts, and stakeholders to drive climate action forward on a global scale.

Learn more about the COP and the UNFCCC at: https://unfccc.int/process/bodies/supreme-bodies/conference-of-the-parties-cop