ICC Qatar Spotlights Private Sector’s Role in Energy Transition

The International Chamber of Commerce Qatar (ICC Qatar) emphasized the role of the private sector in the energy transition during the participation of its Environment and Energy Commission — a strategic collaboration between ICC Qatar and the Al Attiyah Foundation, in a high-level panel discussion on the sidelines of the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC), held at the International Capacity Pavilion at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

Moderated by Axel Threlfall, Editor-at-Large at Reuters, the session brought together the Commission's leadership and working group chairs to showcase its mandate, roadmap, and priority working groups, and explored how Qatar's private sector can accelerate the nation's energy transition and environmental initiatives.

The discussion featured the Commission Co-Chairs; Sustainable Energy Programmes Manager at the Al Attiyah Foundation, Colman Hands and Director of Energy at the Al Attiyah Foundation, Howard Bevan. Working group chairs presented their thematic areas: Elena I. Athwal on the low-carbon energy transition, Dr. Marwa Al Ansary on emissions and carbon markets, and Samer Malaeb on desalination and the energy nexus.

The panel covered key topics such as renewable energy integration, carbon pricing and emissions reduction, and innovations in water and desalination technologies. It will also outline the Commission's roadmap for capacity building, policy engagement, knowledge sharing, and international collaboration.

The session convened senior representatives from government, industry, and international organisations, setting the stage for deeper collaboration and the Commission's upcoming initiatives.

"The Environment and Energy Commission provides a unique platform to bring together private sector expertise, innovation, and investment for meaningful climate action," said ICC Qatar Environment and Energy Commission's Co-Chair Howard Bevan. "Through this initiative, businesses will play a central role in shaping a low-carbon, resilient future for Qatar and the region."

Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the Commission aims to reinforce business leadership in sustainability while contributing to international frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.