Doha, December 16 (QNA) - HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah affirmed that Qatar’s National Day is one of the enduring national milestones in the country’s history, as it highlights the developmental journey undertaken by our forefathers and embodies the achievements accomplished under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

In exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of National Day 2025, His Excellency said that this occasion invokes a sense of pride in what has been achieved, and a renewed opportunity to re-emphasize the importane of everyone's mission and responsibility to contribute to nation-building and sustainable development. He added that the Ministry of Municipality views this day as a motivation to intensify efforts toward building modern and sustainable cities, achieving a balanced urban environment, and providing municipal services that keep pace with the aspirations of society and the rapid development the state is witnessing.

He explained that National Day is an occasion to deepen the values of loyalty and belonging and to strengthen national identity in the hearts of future generations by promoting a culture of responsible work and unifying efforts in service of the nation. He noted that celebrating this occasion is not merely an annual event, but a practice that reflects the spirit of national unity, strengthens the close bond between the people and their leadership, and supports the approach of creativity, innovation, and diligent work.

He pointed out that the Ministry embodies these national values through institutional excellence programs, environmental and community initiatives, and activities involving employees and the local community, believing that love of the homeland is expressed through actions, achievement, and commitment.

Highlighting the Ministry’s most notable efforts, His Excellency affirmed that the Ministry continues to implement a set of notable projects that support comprehensive development and enhance quality of life. He prioritized placing people's well-being at the heart of urban planning by developing green spaces and pedestrian-friendly pathways that promote the humanization of cities and align with the Third National Development Plan (2024–2030), which is based on key pathways including smart and sustainable cities, green building, environmental sustainability, and strengthening agriculture and food security.

He explained that the Ministry is working on implementing the smart cities strategy, developing the municipal services system using modern technologies, and enhancing the efficiency of public facilities, in addition to completing the procedures for obtaining the Smart and Sustainable Cities standard (ISO 37106) in cooperation with the World Council on City Data.

In the field of urban sustainability and green building, he noted the continued role of the Jadara program in enhancing green building standards and encouraging energy- and water-saving technologies. He pointed out that the ministry is also working on preparing the 2025 carbon emissions report in line with the state’s goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Regarding efforts to strengthen food security, the Minister of Municipality said that this year witnessed the launch and implementation of many qualitative initiatives, including expanding climate-smart agriculture projects, developing modern irrigation systems, supporting organic production, launching programs for managing food waste in accordance with circular-economy principles, updating regulations governing agricultural holdings and fisheries, and establishing research and development programs that support innovation and sustainable production.

He added that the Ministry has also continued its efforts in developing public parks and green corridors, contributing to the expansion of green areas and enhancing the urban landscape, while the “Home Garden Design” initiative earned the award for Best Social Responsibility Initiative in the agricultural sector.

In the field of public cleanliness and waste management, he noted that the Ministry is working on building an integrated national system that relies on artificial intelligence and digital platforms to monitor cleaning operations, manage containers and vehicles, and analyze environmental data, which is an important step toward an advanced and sustainable operational model.

He noted that the Ministry achieved several international accomplishments during the year, most notably winning the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award from Esri company in the United States, as well as the award for Best Social Responsibility Initiative. He also highlighted the Ministry’s initiative in preparing the State of Qatar to host the 2026 Nobel Sustainability Awards in cooperation with the Nobel Sustainability Trust, which is an achievement that reinforces the country’s global standing in the fields of smart cities and sustainability.

Regarding environmental sustainability, he emphasized that the Ministry continues to play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and strengthening the circular economy. He also pointed out that Qatar has become the first country in the world to launch an integrated system for issuing building permits using artificial intelligence, thanks to the ministry’s efforts.

He added that the Ministry’s future plans, based on Qatar National Vision 2030, focus on enhancing food security, developing sustainable and resilient cities, reducing carbon emissions, empowering national talents, and strengthening national and international partnerships to promote innovative solutions in sustainability and smart cities.

HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah concluded his statements by emphasizing the Ministry's unwavering commitment to its vision of building modern, environmentally friendly cities, achieving a balance between development and the preservation of natural resources, and providing high-quality municipal services that meet the aspirations of society. Thus, enhancing the well-being of citizens and residents and cementing Qatar’s position as a global leader in sustainable urban planning and city management. (QNA)