Rethinking Sustainability: Circular Economy Insights from Qatar and Beyond
Sainath More
This Masterclass, developed in collaboration with the ILO Project Office for Qatar and the Ministry of Labour of Qatar, explores the potential of the circular economy to generate six million jobs globally while advancing social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Qatar’s commitments to climate action, including signing the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and hosting COP18, reflect its leadership in sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. Highlighting key national initiatives and labour reforms, this Masterclass emphasizes the integration of decent work into the circular transition. Filmed during the Qatar CSR Summit 2024, it features expert insights on strategies for adopting circular practices while prioritizing people.
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this Masterclass, participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of:
The differences between the circular and linear economies, and the current state of the transition to circularity.
The importance of placing people at the heart of the shift to a circular economy.
Opportunities for companies to leverage as they work toward sustainability, including how jobs and skills are integrated into their circular strategies.
Challenges companies face, such as decent work deficits, during the transition to environmental sustainability, and how these issues are being addressed.
Opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in balancing financial and environmental sustainability in the circular economy.
The role of international platforms, such as the World Circular Economy Forum, in advancing circular transitions and creating better opportunities for people.
Qatar’s local ecosystem—including ESG and CSR experts, HR practitioners, and government officials—and how they are promoting responsible business practices in line with Qatar’s National Development Strategy.
The benefits of a circular economy for countries like Qatar and strategies for attracting foreign investment in circular initiatives.
How Islamic finance can be leveraged to support investments in the circular economy, and the financial instruments available in Qatar to fund new circular businesses.
The sectors with the most potential to become circular, and the opportunities and innovations that can be adopted to achieve circularity.
The importance of improving data collection on jobs in the circular economy.