The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) recently convened Qatar’s most senior procurement and supply chain leaders in the capital Doha for the inaugural Chief Procurement Officers (CPO) Roundtable.
This exclusive forum, part of a quarterly series, focused on the pivotal role of procurement in advancing Qatar’s National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3) and driving innovation, sustainability, and economic transformation.
The event welcomed leaders from key public and private sector organisations, underscoring the critical contribution of procurement and supply chain management to achieving Qatar’s ambitious national objectives, including GDP growth, sustainability and digital innovation.
Transformative role
The CPO Roundtable opened with remarks from Ben Farrell MBE, Chief Executive Officer, CIPS, who emphasised the transformative role of procurement in 2025 and beyond. “Procurement leaders today are navigating a landscape defined by rapid digitalisation, heightened sustainability expectations and increasing economic pressures. Events like yesterday’s are vital to equip leaders with the insights, tools and networks they need to drive meaningful impact,” said Farrell.
“The roundtable provided a unique platform to discuss critical challenges and identify actionable solutions. The focus on sustainability, digital innovation and capacity building aligns perfectly with Qatar’s developmental priorities,” commented Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Executive Director-Procurement, Qatar Foundation.
“This event underscores our commitment to supporting Qatar’s vision for a diversified and sustainable economy while promoting innovation and efficiency,” stressed Sam Achampong, Regional Director, CIPS.
The roundtable featured a detailed agenda focusing on the implications of NDS3 for procurement and supply chain professionals. Key sessions included:
NDS3 implications for procurement & supply: Discussions on how procurement excellence can support Qatar’s ambitious economic and sustainability targets, including a 25% reduction in GHG emissions and the adoption of circular economy practices.
Roundtable discussion on priority areas: Delegates shared insights and best practices on enhancing digital integration, driving sustainable procurement and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.
Action planning: The forum concluded with actionable strategies to establish working groups and develop measurable initiatives aligned with NDS3 goals.
“The CPO Roundtable in Doha proved that Qatar’s procurement and supply chain leaders are ready to power the Third National Development Strategy from vision to reality. Their unified commitment and strategic expertise will be a driving force behind Qatar’s ambitious national transformation,” observed Adil Mohammed, Trustee, CIPS Global Board.
“Embracing digital transformation and advanced technologies is critical to making agile, data-driven decisions, but the human element remains vital. High-performing teams and cross-functional collaboration are key to success,” noted Cory Thwaites, SEVP, Qatar National Bank.
