Doha: HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie affirmed that the Earthna Summit 2025 serves as an important strategic platform for fostering dialogue and coordinating efforts to address climate challenges, especially in hot and arid regions such as the GCC countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, during the opening of the second edition of the Earthna Summit 2025 in Doha, themed "Building Our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation, and Traditional Knowledge," HE the Minister emphasized the need for exchanging perspectives rooted in traditional knowledge and diverse cultures to develop sustainable solutions. The summit aims to bridge past and future innovations while enhancing global cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.
The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by HE Chief Adviser to the Government in Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus, who shared his vision on leveraging social innovation for sustainable development. Justin Mundy, Chair of Earthna, highlighted the importance of uniting global efforts to tackle sustainability challenges, particularly in reimagining climate finance. He noted, "This year's Earthna Summit comes at a critical time, midway between COP29 and COP30. It is more than a gathering; it is a catalyst for action."
The first day of the summit included Agora Sessions at Earthna Village, with prominent speakers such as Dr. Damilola Olawuyi, UNESCO Chairholder and Professor of Environmental Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, wildlife filmmaker Hamza Yassin, and environmental activist Charlene Ruto from the SMACHS Foundation. The sessions engaged participants in discussions on sustainable futures, reflecting cultural contexts and traditional knowledge through interactive workshops and exhibitions on water conservation, natural cooling techniques, traditional weaving, and farming practices.
The summit saw the launch of several key research and policy publications, including "Semiotics of Nature," a joint report by Earthna and HBKU's College of Islamic Studies exploring connections between nature, semiotics, and spirituality. Another publication, "Towards the Development of a Sustainability Framework for Qatar," was developed with Wealth Fair Economics and the University of Sussex Business School, introducing Inclusive Wealth as a foundation for balanced development.
"Carbon Emissions Reduction Strategies for Qatar," co-authored by Earthna and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, analyzed approaches to decarbonization aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Additionally, "Qatar's Ecology: An Assessment with Recommendations," offered practical suggestions for strengthening sustainability efforts. The summit also featured "Traditional Knowledge in Water Resource Management," examining water management practices in Oman, Spain, Peru, and Ethiopia.
The Earthna Summit 2025 continues tomorrow with keynote speeches, interactive dialogues, and discussions on the intersection of culture, climate, and innovation, aiming to shape a more sustainable future that harmonizes traditional wisdom with modern innovation.