Doha, May 27 (QNA) - HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah was regarded as one of Qatar's most influential figures in the energy sector, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the country's regional and international standing through a distinguished career spanning more than five decades in energy, government administration and international affairs.

He passed away on Wednesday in London after a long journey marked by dedication and achievement.

Born in Qatar on December 5, 1952, HE Al Attiyah began his professional career in 1972 at the Ministry of Finance and Petroleum. Between 1973 and 1986, he served as Head of International and Public Relations at the ministry before being appointed Director of the Office of the Ministry of Interior from 1986 to 1989.

He later served as Acting Minister of Finance and Petroleum between 1989 and 1992.

In 1992, HE Al Attiyah was appointed Minister of Energy and Industry, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum, where he contributed significantly to the development of Qatar's energy industry and the expansion of its global influence.

A year later, he assumed the presidency of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, in addition to serving on the organization's production quota compliance committee.

He also held several senior government positions, including Second Deputy Prime Minister in 2003, before being appointed Deputy Prime Minister in 2007.

On the international stage, HE Al Attiyah was elected President of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in 2006. He later chaired the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP18), hosted in Doha in 2012.

His leadership during the 13-day conference contributed to the adoption of the landmark "Doha Climate Gateway" package, which paved the way for a comprehensive and legally binding global climate agreement.

The conference also secured the extension of the Kyoto Protocol for a second commitment period from January 1, 2013 until 2020 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The conference outcomes further included commitments by developed countries to provide financial support to developing nations, particularly in climate adaptation and loss-and-damage measures, while establishing a roadmap toward a new global climate agreement that was later realized through the Paris Agreement.

In 2009, HE Al Attiyah was elected President of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and led the organization during its eighth ministerial meeting hosted in Doha, where the Qatari capital was officially approved as the permanent headquarters of the forum.

He also temporarily served as Secretary-General of the organization until a permanent appointment was made.

In 2011, HE Al Attiyah was appointed Chief of the Amiri Diwan. He also served as Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority and Chairman of the State Planning Committee. His final position was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al Attiyah Foundation.

Throughout his career, HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah received numerous international awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to energy, governance and sustainable development.

These included the Pendant of Independence awarded by HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani for his role in promoting transparency, governance and economic development.

He was also awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau by HM former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by HM the Emperor of Japan, and honorary doctorates from Texas A&M University and Italy's Tor Vergata University. (QNA)