Qatari-French initiative for energy and environment

Qatar Foundation (QF) has held a multi-sectoral forum providing leading Qatari and French institutions with the opportunity to identify areas of common interest in the fields of energy and the environment.
The ‘Qatar France Academia-Industry Initiative 2016’, which brought together representatives from industry, academia, and science and research, was jointly organised by QF, the French Embassy in Qatar, Total EP Qatar, and Qatar University (QU).
The opening of the forum was attended by H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF; Eric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Qatar; and Guillaume Chalmin, Managing Director of Total EP Qatar.
The theme of the forum, which concluded on  December 6, was Energy and Environment, and sought to create timely dialogue among partners in Qatar, the region, and beyond, around global concerns facing the energy industry.
Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, Executive Vice President, Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), said: “By bringing together representatives from industry, academia, and science and research, this forum has reflected the essential role of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the most pressing challenges facing societies throughout the world.”
The forum saw the participation of academics from top French higher education institutes with a focus on engineering, as well as representatives of French companies with a presence in Qatar including Total, Engie, Suez, Véolia, Alstom, SNCF, QDVC, EDF - and Qatar-based companies Qatalum, Kahramaa, Muntajat, and QAPCO.
Dr Hassan Al Derham, President of QU stated: “The Forum reflects the Qatari-French bilateral ties which play an important role in promoting cultural and economic relations between the two countries. The theme of the forum – energy and environment – is a timely one for dialogue among partners in Qatar, the region, and beyond."