Qatar Launches First University Program on Sustainable Food Systems and Plant-Based Awareness
In a landmark move for sustainability and plant-based education, Qatar has introduced the region’s first accredited university course dedicated to Sustainable Food Systems. Led by Ghanim Al-Sulaiti—vegan entrepreneur, advocate, and founder of Enbat Group—the program is a collaboration between MIE–SPPU Institute of Higher Education (Doha), Earthna’s Qatar Sustainability Week, the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Sustainability (under Dr. Cory Flynn), and Enbat Group.
Education Rooted in Sustainability
This pioneering course goes far beyond theory. It equips students with practical tools to rethink food systems through a plant-forward lens—covering everything from chronic disease prevention and environmental impact to cultural heritage and zero-waste culinary practices. Students learn to design low-carbon menus, compost effectively, and create recipes using local ingredients—all while exploring the intersection of food, identity, and sustainability.
As Ghanim Al-Sulaiti shared:
“This journey began with building businesses focused on healthy, sustainable food. But I realized that true change starts with education. This program is about preparing students to be part of the solution—combining science, culture, and identity to design a more sustainable future.”
A Vision for the Middle East
The course reflects a growing regional momentum toward conscious food choices and environmental stewardship. By embedding sustainability into higher education, it empowers future leaders to shape food systems that honor both health and heritage. Earthna’s Shireen Obeidat emphasized that the initiative aligns with Qatar’s national goals and ensures students are “not only learning about sustainable food systems, but actively shaping them for a better tomorrow.”
Advocacy Meets Academia
This milestone resonates deeply. It affirms the power of education to drive plant-based awareness, cultural dialogue, and systemic change. As institutions across the region look to integrate sustainability into their curricula, Qatar’s initiative sets a bold precedent.