The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council has officially launched the RDI Sustainability Community, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing Qatar's position as a global leader in sustainability and innovation. This initiative, part of the QRDI's National RDI Communities program, seeks to foster collaboration among key stakeholders, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to address sustainability challenges while advancing sustainable practices.
The launch event, held at the Park Hyatt Msheireb in Doha, was attended by Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. In his opening remarks, Al Subaie emphasized the importance of the community as a national platform for uniting experts and decision-makers to exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions that contribute to the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Eng. Omar Al Ansari, Secretary General of the QRDI Council, also delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting the vital role that communities like the RDI Sustainability Community play in fostering collaboration and driving innovation. He stated, "By launching initiatives like this one, which specifically target sustainability, we are working toward addressing these national challenges head-on." This initiative aligns with the QRDI Council's broader strategy to transform Qatar into a global hub for research, development, and innovation, as outlined in the QRDI 2030 vision.
The event featured a keynote address titled "Sustainability: A Cost or an Opportunity?" delivered by Dr. Tareq Al-Ansari, Executive Director at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI). Following this, a panel discussion on "Accelerating Innovation and Impactful Research to Drive Qatar’s Sustainable Future" took place, featuring esteemed guests from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar University, Earthna, and Milaha. This discussion focused on how innovation and research can play a pivotal role in advancing Qatar’s sustainability agenda.
One of the key aspects of the RDI Sustainability Community is its ability to empower members to influence QRDI’s funding opportunities and calls, identify emerging research needs, trends, and funding gaps, and play a crucial role in shaping strategy and sector priorities. Members will enjoy a range of benefits, including exclusive access to research funding and specialized training programs, as well as the opportunity to influence national policies and strategies.
In addition to the launch of the RDI Sustainability Community, the QRDI Council has been actively pursuing various initiatives to drive sustainability-focused innovation. This includes the Qatar Open Innovation calls as part of their Qatar Open Innovation Program, which addresses climate change and environmental challenges. Furthermore, the QRDI Council’s scientific research calls on Food Security Call (FSC) and the Climate Change and Environment Call (CCEC) are designed to advance more sustainable innovation.
By integrating these initiatives with the newly launched RDI Sustainability Community, the QRDI Council aims to co-develop solutions with both national and global relevance, creating a lasting impact for its members, the nation, and the wider world. The community will also address policy and research gaps while encouraging knowledge-sharing among its members.
As Qatar continues to navigate the complexities of sustainability, the establishment of the RDI Sustainability Community represents a pivotal step in uniting the country's research and innovation sectors to confront environmental challenges. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, the QRDI Council is committed to driving progress toward a sustainable and innovative future for Qatar.
Meanwhile, under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar University (QU) and the Social Responsibility Initiative are organizing the Qatar CSR Conference and Exhibition 2025. This event, scheduled from April 28 to 30, will focus on the theme "Sustainability in the Digital Age," reflecting the growing importance of integrating digital technologies into responsible business practices.
Prof. Rana Sobh, Dean of the College and Chair of the Conference Steering Committee, noted that this year’s edition would highlight the intersection of sustainability and digital innovation amid the challenges facing businesses in a rapidly evolving world. She stated, "This year’s conference theme, 'Sustainability in the Digital Age,' reflects the growing importance of integrating digital technologies into responsible business practices—from AI-based sustainability solutions to tech-enhanced circular economy models."
The conference will feature a rich agenda of panels, interventions, and workshops delivered by top experts and academics from business schools worldwide, as well as local and international institutions. Key partners for the event include the Middle East and North Africa Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS), UNESCO, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Dr. Saif Ali Al Hajari, CEO of the Qatar CSR National Program, expressed pride in the partnership with QU and the patronage of the Prime Minister for the third consecutive year. He emphasized that the initiative benefits both communities and businesses, inviting everyone to attend the conference’s insightful sessions and encouraging more companies to launch impactful CSR initiatives in Qatar.
Jack Saba, General Manager of the CSR Initiative Foundation, announced that the organizing committee had received around 140 nominated initiatives, from which 40 will be selected for awards in various categories. The conference and exhibition will not only feature academic and scientific discussions but also serve as a platform for leading national companies in CSR to showcase their programs and activities, sharing best practices in aligning social responsibility with business profitability.
The Qatar CSR Conference and Exhibition 2025 is part of the 12th season of the National CSR Program at QU, which includes the release of the Qatar National CSR Report and the Qatar CSR Awards. This event aims to engage both the public and private sectors in enhancing social impact in Qatar, further solidifying the country's commitment to sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility.
