Welcome to our Masterclass on Rethinking Sustainability: Circular Economy Insights from Qatar and Beyond - Reflections from the Qatar CSR Forum 2025.

This Masterclass has been developed in collaboration with the ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Labour of Qatar.

In 2022, the ILO estimated that transitioning to a circular economy could generate six million jobs globally. This transition represents not only a major employment opportunity but also a chance to create a more just and socially inclusive world.

Qatar has been a key participant in global efforts to combat climate change and accelerate environmental sustainability. It signed the Kyoto Protocol under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) when it came into force in 2005, committing to legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2012, Qatar hosted COP18 and signed the Doha Amendment, extending the Kyoto Protocol. Qatar also signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2016 and ratified it in 2017, committing to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years.

Domestically, both the public and private sectors in Qatar have gradually shifted towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy. Key developments include the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) through Emiri Resolution No. (57) of 2021, dedicated to achieving climate targets. Other initiatives include the national public transport provider's plans to transition to an all-electric fleet by 2030 and Qatar National Bank's sustainable financing services. These efforts align with Qatar’s long-term strategic goals for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This is reinforced by the most recent Qatar National Development Strategy 3, which highlights environmental sustainability as a key outcome. As part of this outcome, Qatar commits to accelerating the transition to a circular economy through the integration circular principles in industrial processes and cities, nurturing the circular economy market for recycled and repurposed materials, and reducing waste generation through societal behavioural change.

In parallel, Qatar has embarked on ambitious labour reforms with the ILO since 2018 with the introduction of reforms to labour mobility, wages, workers’ voice and representation, and occupational safety and health. The Ministry of Labour of the State of Qatar and the ILO believe that human rights due diligence and environmental due diligence are mutually reinforcing. While the focus of this Masterclass is on the circular economy, each intervention highlights the importance of decent work in the transition. 

In May 2024, Qatar hosted its annual CSR Summit, focused on the theme of the circular economy. The summit brought together national and international stakeholders, including government officials, consultants, entrepreneurs, and others, to discuss strategies for going circular and building a responsible local ecosystem.

This Masterclass, filmed during the Qatar CSR Summit 2024, captures the insights of diverse experts and their contributions. It offers an introduction to the circular economy, exploring opportunities for countries and businesses to adopt circular practices, with a strong emphasis on putting people at the center of the transition.

Module 1: What is the Circular Economy?

The circular economy minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency through strategies like reuse, recycling, and repair, offering a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy. With only 7.2% of materials currently recycled, there is an urgent need to adopt circular strategies to mitigate environmental harm and promote sustainability. An inclusive transition is essential, prioritizing the creation of decent jobs, safeguarding human rights, and improving data collection to guide effective circular economy policies on a global scale.

Module 2: Going Circular for Big Brands and SMEs

Big brands and SMEs can embrace circular strategies by rethinking resource utilization, business models, and partnerships to close resource loops and drive sustainable transformation. These strategies not only enhance sustainability but also strengthen supply chain resilience and uphold decent work standards across evolving supply chains. Innovative approaches, such as transforming ocean waste into prosthetics, showcase the potential of creative circular solutions to address social challenges while inspiring supportive policies and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.

Module 3: Opportunities for Promoting a Circular Economy

Promoting a circular economy requires coordinated global collaboration through initiatives like the World Circular Economy Forum, which drive education, innovation, and policies to accelerate the transition to sustainability. This global effort complements national goals, such as Qatar’s National Vision 2030, by encouraging partnerships among government, businesses, and civil society to foster inclusive growth, innovation, and responsible resource use. Raising awareness and showcasing investment opportunities further amplify these efforts, while strengthening public-private-academic collaborations ensures a broader and more effective adoption of circular strategies. Financial tools like green loans, sustainability-linked bonds, and Islamic finance instruments such as green sukuk provide the necessary support to fund these initiatives. In parallel, sector-specific actions, such as reducing waste in construction through recycling programs, designed-for-disassembly approaches, and zero-waste-to-landfill policies, demonstrate how targeted innovation can drive circular practices and reinforce the overarching goal of sustainability.

Through this 9-video lesson series, you will have a clear understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and considerations that businesses and governments face in the transition towards a sustainable and just world. Whether you're a student or practitioner, you'll be empowered to apply these insights in your work to help accelerate the shift to a circular economy.