Doha, 09 October 2022

The ASEAN Committee (ACD), Qatar in collaboration with Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP Qatar) co-organized a clean-up initiative at the Singing Sand Dunes, located 40 km southwest of Doha.

Around 135 volunteers participated in the clean-up campaign led by Zamshari Shaharan, Ambassador of Malaysia and ACD Chair. Among participants were  Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakar, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam; Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of Indonesia; Jai S. Sohan, Ambassador of Singapore; Nathapol Khantahiran, Ambassador of Thailand, Tran Duc Hung, Ambassador of Viet Nam and Ms. Cassandra B. Sawadjaan, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Philippines, Jose Saucedo, Director of Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) Qatar; Salem Alsahli, Head of Maintenance Section, Al Wakrah Municipality; spouses of the envoys and large number of volunteers from ASEAN communities.

Zamshari Shaharan, Ambassador of Malaysia and ACD Chair said on the occasion that the initiative demonstrated the ACD’s support to DEAP Qatar in promoting sustainable development and preserving the environment in conjunction with Qatar Sustainability Week

Qatar Sustainability Week is being observed from 8-15 October 2022.

He said that the initiative is in line with the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025, which envisions the people-centred and environmentally friendly ASEAN Community. We are delighted that these principles are translated into practice and set an example of how each of us can make a difference in preserving the environment, which is the central theme of Qatar Sustainability Week 2022.

ACD Chair, Qatar thanked DEAP Qatar, Al Wakra Municipality, and the ASEAN Community for supporting the initiative.

He hoped that it will spark greater interest and raise public awareness for environmental conservation and waste reduction. Moreover, this initiative will inspire the community at large to embark on a long-term commitment to keep Qatar clean and contribute to Qatar's sustainability efforts, as highlighted in the National Vision 2030.

Jose Saucedo, Director of Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) Qatar paid his gratitude to the ACD member states envoys on their initiative and the participating volunteers for raising awareness and to be part of the solution and not part of the pollution.

He said that plastic pollution is a major global problem. The whole world is trying to figure it out. At DEAP Qatar we aspire to be able to inspire and empower our youth and the public to take action against plastic pollution.

Zamshari Shaharan, Ambassador of Malaysia and ACD Chair presented a memento to Jose Saucedo, Director of Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) in appreciation on cooperation and support.