* British Council, MME, Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar and QGBC host discussion
 
 
The British Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar LLC(G) and the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), delivered the ‘Climate Change in Qatar Webinar’ as part of the Qatar-UK Alumni Talk series.
The discussion was attended by nearly 100 attendees from various fields and organisations.
The webinar offered an opportunity for an engaging and informative dialogue with environmental experts, government officials, educators and youth environment leaders in Qatar, to share their views on climate change issues, discuss international and local efforts needed and to explore how education can play a vital role in empowering young people to make a difference, the British Council said in a press statement. 
In November, the UK will co-host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in partnership with Italy, bringing together world leaders to tackle climate change. This webinar was held as part of the ‘Together for Our Planet’ campaign aimed to work with partners in Qatar and worldwide to support the success and legacy of COP26, creating opportunities for climate co-operation, dialogue and action. 
To mark the occasion, British ambassador to Qatar Jon Wilks said: “We are at a turning point for our planet. As we recover from Covid-19, it is critical that we build back greener and more resilient. As COP26 hosts, the UK will lead by example. The UK is committed to working with all countries and joining forces with civil society, companies and people on the frontline of climate change to inspire action ahead of COP26. Events such as this are an excellent opportunity to work across Qatari society on this crucial issue.”
On tackling Qatar’s work, commitment and preparation for COP26, Abdulhadi Almarri, director of the MME's Climate Change Department, said: "Qatar is affected both by the adverse effects of climate change on ecology and human systems, and the impact of the implementation of response measures by other countries on our economy. Currently, we are closely monitoring various mitigation and adaptation projects within the process of developing an updated National Determined Contribution, aligned with the requirements of the Paris Agreement, which will be submitted to UNFCCC before COP26."
Sam Ayton, country director of the British Council in Qatar, said: "We are working here in Qatar and in over 100 countries around the world to provide appropriate platforms for discussion and to combat climate change. Through discussions like this, we aim to support Qatar develop sustainable initiatives and contribute to a greener future."
QGBC was represented by Shireen Obeidat and Dr Alex Amato, covering QGBC’s involvement and contribution to COP26, Qatar’s position on climate change and challenges as well as opportunities for Qatar.
Obeidat said, "QGBC continues to focus on building public support for climate solutions by integrating sustainability through awareness, education, research and developing clear environmental and sustainable best practice guidelines and tools through our national campaigns and programmes."
Dr Amato added, "Data and measurement are crucial to gain a complete understanding of Qatar’s CO2e emissions - only after we have a clear overall sector by sector outline of Qatar’s energy demand, can a cogent mitigation route for Qatar be discerned - if you don’t measure you can’t manage."
Neeshad Shafi, executive director, Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar LLC(G), said: "We believe this event did provide a platform for discussion of ideas for youths in Qatar to work together in raising their voice for a collective global action against climate change."
 
 
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