Doha, Qatar: Environmentalists, academics and sustainability experts will explore recent developments in Qatar’s sustainability agenda at the Qatar Green Building Conference 2016, according to a press release from Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC).

The conference, to be held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), will take place from the November 13 to 15, 2016, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), said the press release.

The annually held event, the press release said, holds special significance as it coincides with the 22^nd session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), known as COP 22, taking place November 7 to 18, 2016, in Morocco, where world leaders will discuss solutions to greenhouse emissions and global warming.

Focusing on three overarching themes, ‘Future Sustainable Cities’, ‘Green Business is Good Business’ and ‘Sustainability as a Lifestyle’, the conference, the press release revealed, will tackle some of the key environmental and social sustainability challenges in Qatar and beyond.

The Council said that this year’s conference will also mark the launch of Qatar Sustainability Week 2016, a QGBC initiative that will showcase the efforts of Qatar’s public and private sectors in achieving the nation’s sustainable development goals.

“We would like to achieve multiple goals at this year’s conference in line with the national and global sustainability agenda,” said Meshal Al Shamari, Director of QGBC. “Qatar has introduced a number of key measures to reduce its carbon footprint, which include investing in renewable energy resources, green buildings, and public awareness campaigns. This conference provides us with an opportunity to review the progress of these sustainability initiatives and create an action plan for the future.”

She added: “As yet another step to acknowledging sustainability challenges facing Qatar and identifying the possible solutions, we invite all interested parties and individuals to participate in Qatar Sustainability Week by attending one of the events taking place, organising an activity, or endorsing the initiative.”