The State of Qatar is coordinating its political efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement by investing in solar energy projects, water conservation, green infrastructure, and smart city initiatives. To work to reduce emissions and lead the region towards a more sustainable future.

Lindsay Malcolm, Sustainability Leader in the Middle East at Turner & Townsend, highlighted the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a model of sustainable development and provide a high standard of living for future generations, stressing that “sustainability is the essence of this… The vision, which combines environmental, social and economic pillars.”

Malcolm noted that Qatar has not yet determined its path towards achieving net zero emissions, which is necessary to support the 2030 National Vision, noting that “a clear roadmap, supported by a strong political and regulatory framework, will enable Qatar to build on and enhance its vision.”

“The country’s need for a stable, high-quality supply of energy and water are the main drivers of this ambitious vision,” Malcolm explained.

Malcolm stressed that climate change represents a major threat to Qatar's water supply and infrastructure, pointing out that "maintaining sustainability in Qatar's development and growth depends primarily on our ability to confront the challenges of climate change."

Malcolm praised the Qatari government's efforts to benefit from clean energy sources, especially solar energy.

Malcolm concluded her speech by emphasizing another priority, which is supporting the construction industry to reduce its environmental impact.

Qatar is currently making strategic investments in infrastructure, especially in the energy, water and efficient cooling technologies sectors.

With an average daily sunshine of 9.5 hours, Qatar aims to add up to 4 GW of solar energy supply by 2030.