Doha, November 5 / QNA / - Today officially marked the start of the activities of Qatar Sustainability Week, organized by Our Heritage Center, and will continue until November 11, with the participation of more than 250 entities and partners in the country organizing over 400 activities and initiatives. Additionally, seminars, conferences, and artistic events covering topics such as water, energy, electric vehicles, green buildings, and sustainable facility management.

The week, which began its events yesterday in various regions of the country, aims to engage community members in a wide range of activities that support sustainability. It encourages them to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and increase environmental awareness among all individuals. Moreover, Qatar Sustainability Week highlights the progress made by the country in the field of sustainability. It also promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange among various sectors contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030.

During a press conference held today, Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Abdullatif Al Sada, Assistant Minister for Climate Change Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, emphasized the special importance of Qatar Sustainability Week this year. This is concurrent with Expo 2023 Doha for Horticulture, held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa under the theme "Green Desert... Better Environment." The goal is to enhance innovation in sustainability and combat desertification, aligning with the initiatives, activities, and events held during the week. It is also in line with the ministry's efforts to achieve the environmental development pillar outlined in Qatar's National Vision 2030.

Eng. Ahmed Al Sada stated, "In Qatar, we recognize that addressing climate change, supporting sustainability, and preserving the environment require innovative solutions. Therefore, we invest in the latest technologies, renewable energy resources, sustainable infrastructure, and support a culture of innovation to unleash human potential. However, technology remains a part of the solution, not the whole solution. There is another equally important aspect, which is spreading environmental awareness in society. We believe that tackling climate change is not the responsibility of specific individuals or entities but a collective responsibility for all of us. This reflects the importance of Qatar Sustainability Week."

He described Qatar Sustainability Week as the largest annual national campaign to support the environment in Qatar. It is an open invitation to all institutions, government and private entities in the country to organize a wide range of activities and events nationwide. The aim is to build a sound understanding of environmental challenges, encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, and increase environmental awareness among participants. This week serves as a unifying and inspiring event for the entire community, bringing together various sectors and individuals toward a common goal of environmental preservation.

Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Our Heritage Center, explained that this is the second time the center has led Qatar Sustainability Week. Over the past two years, there has been growing interest not only in Qatar Sustainability Week as an initiative but in all aspects of sustainability. This reflects Qatar's commitment to promoting and protecting the environment while simultaneously enhancing sustainable development, as outlined in Qatar's National Vision 2030.

He highlighted that there are more than 400 events and initiatives registered to be organized this year by more than 250 entities and partners. These events cover a diverse range of activities, including beach cleanups, public seminars, mangrove planting, school lectures, various recycling campaigns, and artistic events.

Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata emphasized that this annual event represents a significant national campaign for advocacy, awareness, and promoting cooperation and partnership between the private and public sectors, encompassing all segments of society. Sustainability, at its core, is about people, underscoring the importance of Qatar Sustainability Week.

Mubarak Al Dossari, representing the Ministry of Sports and Youth, highlighted the level of the ministry's participation in this event as a strategic partner. This reflects the ministry's keen interest in sustainability in all its dimensions throughout the year. The ministry has adopted a strategic approach to sustainability, focusing its efforts on supporting the Sustainable Development Goals in the youth and sports sectors through various activities and projects.

For example, there is the "We Are All Responsible" initiative, which aims to harness the energy and potential of youth and the available resources of affiliated