Arab Environment Ministers Converge in Jeddah for Key Environmental Council Session

Jeddah: The 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs commenced on Thursday in Jeddah, marking a significant gathering of regional leaders to discuss environmental challenges and initiatives. The session, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture along with the Arab League, saw the participation of key figures including Eng. Samira Al-Kandari, the Acting Director General of Kuwait Environment Public Authority. According to Kuwait News Agency, the session opened with remarks from Dr. Abdullah Al-Amri, the head of the Omani Environment Authority, who lauded the concerted efforts of Arab nations in tackling environmental issues on both regional and global platforms. Al-Amri highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's role in hosting the upcoming 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh this December, showing support for Saudi Arabia's leadership in environmental conservation. The Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, emphasized Saudi Arabia's integrated approach to environmental management, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. He underscored the launch of major initiatives such as "Green Saudi Arabia" and "Green Middle East," alongside a global initiative aimed at reducing land degradation and preserving terrestrial habitats. Eng. Samira Al-Kandari addressed the assembly, stressing the urgency of adopting green policies in light of significant international environmental developments. She advocated for strategies that foster renewable energy, climate change adaptation, and carbon emission reduction. Al-Kandari also expressed hope for a unified Arab stance on the United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution No. (514) to end plastic pollution. The Kuwaiti delegation at the meeting included several notable officials such as Eng. Shaima Al-Fadhel, Director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Follow-up of Environmental Activities, and repr esentatives from the International Relations Department at the Public Environment Authority, Talal Al-Ali and Mustafa Al-Zuhair. The team was also joined by Nasser Al-Khaldi, Chargé d'Affaires at the Consulate General of Kuwait in Jeddah, and Counselor Turki Al-Daihani.