Doha, November 28 (QNA) - HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani reiterated Qatar's consistent commitment to participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conferences. He emphasized the importance of these gatherings as a significant opportunity to showcase efforts and advancements in environmental conservation and sustainability.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency mentioned that Qatar has completed its preparations to participate in the Conference of Parties (COP 28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change said that Qatar's participation in this global environmental forum will witness its accession to the international agreement concerning marine turtles. This agreement involves the exchange of expertise, visits, information, and data related to the conservation of these endangered marine species. Additionally, Qatar will sign a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to announce the Regional Center for Whale Shark Conservation, given that the state's territorial waters host the largest gatherings and longest periods of stay for this endangered marine creature worldwide.
Furthermore, he highlighted the establishment of the National Committee for Climate Change and Sustainability under the ministry's leadership, comprising various ministries, authorities, and relevant universities. Additionally, a comprehensive negotiation team consisting of representatives from all parties has been formed to coordinate and unify positions concerning climate change issues, including participation in the discussions at COP 28, where international and environmental organizations are involved, providing an opportunity to showcase the country's efforts in this critical area.
His Excellency emphasized Qatar's keenness to participate in the accompanying exhibition of the conference, showcasing presentations, side events, models, films, and images that highlight the state's endeavors in environmental and climate change domains, besides presenting research papers and engaging in both main and sub-sessions throughout the conference.
He also indicated that Qatar's participation in COP 28 will concentrate on various topics such as carbon footprint and the Paris Agreement, especially focusing on item number 6, which specifies each country's carbon emissions. Qatar aims to have national companies compensate emission differences by investing in eco-friendly projects. The country has concluded the first stage of a national program related to this item, to be announced at COP 28, making it the first GCC country to achieve this stage. Additionally, the commencement of the program's second stage at the international level will be announced, along with the signing of several agreements related to marine life conservation in the region.
Moreover, His Excellency underscored that Qatar will also focus on climate change issues and safeguard its national interests within negotiations concerning greenhouse gas emission reductions, adaptation to climate change effects, and other topics related to implementation mechanisms encompassing financing, technology development and transfer, capacity building, and other relevant issues. He expressed anticipation for a successful conference addressing environmental issues, their impacts, and challenges, aiming to achieve the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and enhance the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement. The conference outcomes are expected to align with its principles and regional and national circumstances and priorities.
The Minister highlighted that Qatar was among the first countries to join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1996 and participated from COP 1 to the latest edition held in Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo, at the highest levels. He emphasized the state's eagerness to be present at the accompanying exhibition to showcase its efforts in climate change, sustainability, emission reduction, and reliance on modern technologies and techniques in front of participating countries and organizations.
Finally, His Excellency mentioned that the ministry's participation would involve the second, third, and fourth rows of national talents and managers within the ministry to form a specialized team, maximizing the benefits for the young leadership from such significant events. (MORE)