DOHA: Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater hashonoured the winning departments in the 'Paper Challenge - A Race to Sustainability' initiative, organised by the ministry in conjunction with the celebration of World Earth Day.
The event took place at the ministry's headquarters in Al Luqatifiya, in the presence of Abdullah Ibrahim Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elite Paper Recycling Factory, the initiative's supporting partner.
In her speech at the ceremony, the minister emphasized that the 'Paper Challenge' was not just an environmental competition, but rather a true message that positive change begins from within, and that small initiatives can have a significant impact when they are launched with awareness and belonging. She noted that the success of this initiative embodies the values of responsibility, cooperation, and excellence, and reflects the ministry's employees' commitment to actively contributing to building a conscious and sustainable work environment.
She emphasized that the advancement of education can only be achieved through the integration of roles, and that every individual within the educational system is a partner in building a quality, inspiring education that inspires future generations. She emphasized that a culture of sustainability must be an integral part of the workplace.
The Early Childhood Education Department won first place, followed by the Curriculum and Learning Resources Department in second place, and the Nursery Department in third place. The departments were awarded honorary shields and certificates of appreciation in recognition of their efforts.
The initiative, in which all the ministry's departments participated, aims to enhance environmental awareness and encourage sustainable corporate practices, as part of the ministry's Corporate Culture Program, through which the Ministry seeks to instill values such as excellence, cooperation, responsibility, and belonging, all the while achieving the vision of a 'Paperless Ministry'.
The ceremony included a visual presentation by university students on the importance of protecting planet Earth and addressing the repercussions of climate change, emphasizing the need for the current generation to shoulder the responsibility of rationally using resources.
The Elite Paper Recycling Factory also played a pivotal role in the initiative's success, providing paper collection bins, weighing and sorting operations, and educating participants about the importance of recycling and environmental conservation.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, attendees signed the Sustainability Pledge, expressing their commitment to striving for a more sustainable work environment. They hung the pledge on a wooden tree specially designed for the occasion, a symbolic gesture that expressed a sense of belonging and environmental awareness.
It's worth noting that World Earth Day, which falls on April 22 each year, represents a renewed call to protect planet Earth. It aims to raise environmental awareness and instill concepts of sustainability among younger generations through initiatives and practices that translate human and environmental values into a tangible reality.
As part of its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is working to gradually transition to a paperless work environment by promoting digital transformation across all its internal operations and reducing reliance on paper printing. Through these efforts, the Ministry seeks to instill a culture of institutional sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and employ modern technological solutions to improve work efficiency and conserve natural resources, which will positively impact the environment and the educational community.