Kuwait city: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the GCC states have witnessed qualitative development in environmental work in recent years. They have translated their environmental commitments into ambitious initiatives and pioneering projects, and have been keen to enhance their presence as an influential and effective bloc in global efforts to confront climate change and protect the environment for future generations. This came during the 27th meeting of Their Excellencies the Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs in the GCC states held Thursday in Kuwait.
According to Qatar News Agency, during his speech, Albudaiwi mentioned that emission reduction policies and increased reliance on renewable energy have become fundamental pillars for the GCC states in their national paths towards a low-carbon economy that balances economic growth with the preservation of natural resources.
These efforts represent the fruit of an integrated Gulf approach that combines environmental and economic dimensions, making environmental protection an effective tool to stimulate investment in value-added green sectors. It also serves as a means to create quality job opportunities in clean energy, waste management, modern environmental technologies, and the application of circular carbon economy principles, thereby contributing to expanding the production base, enhancing the competitiveness of the GCC states, and achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental, he said.
Albudaiwi also stressed the GCC states’ continuous keenness to align their environmental policies with global commitments and the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate. This stems from their belief in regional and international cooperation and their steadfast commitment to international agreements and initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, actively contributing to global efforts to combat climate change, and promoting the transition towards a low-emission, more efficient, and innovative economy.