In Video: Nof Boubakhi: National competencies represent the fundamental pillar for enhancing Kuwait's presence at international forums

Abdullah Al-Rakan: The Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs, Nouf Bahbahani, affirmed yesterday Kuwait’s commitment to investing in the development of national capacities and its belief that qualified national expertise constitutes the fundamental pillar for enhancing the country’s presence at international forums.

Speaking at the opening of the first training course for the qualification of national negotiators under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held at the Kuwait Institute for Diplomatic Studies, Bahbahani stated that this course embodies Kuwait’s empowerment of its experts to actively participate in shaping international policies, defend national interests, and fulfill its commitments within the framework of international climate action.

She clarified that organizing the course stems from the high vision of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, which underscores the importance of international cooperation and multilateral action in addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development.

Bahbahani added that Kuwait’s standing as an energy-producing state and an active, responsible member of the international community necessitates a significant presence in climate negotiations that balances adherence to international agreements with the preservation of national interests and support for sustainable development, following a balanced approach that considers economic, environmental, and social dimensions. She noted that the course represents a strategic step in the path of building national capacities, thereby enhancing Kuwait’s readiness to actively participate in Conferences of the Parties (COPs) and regional and international meetings, and strengthening its presence and influence in the trajectory of international climate action.

She praised the pioneering role of the Diplomatic Institute in preparing and qualifying national diplomatic expertise, noting that it hosts the launch of this specialized national course for training negotiators under the UNFCCC, and indicated that the course will continue until Wednesday.

For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for International Organizations Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Counselor Abdulmohsen Al-Mansour, affirmed in his speech the Ministry’s commitment to being a key partner in national efforts addressing climate change issues, recognizing the importance of this file on the international stage and the rapid developments it has witnessed within the framework of multilateral negotiations, particularly the Conferences of the Parties to the UNFCCC.

Al-Mansour stated that this interest is an extension of the direct follow-up and attention given by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his deputy, Hamad Al-Mushaan, to this file, and their keenness to enhance Kuwait’s presence at international forums and qualify national cadres capable of representing the state efficiently, defending its interests, and actively contributing to shaping relevant international decisions and consensus.

He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is participating in this course with several staff members from the International Organizations Department and the Legal Department, as part of supporting the work of the National Negotiating Committee and preparing national cadres equipped with the necessary legal, diplomatic, and negotiating knowledge to ensure active participation in climate change negotiations, thereby enhancing Kuwait’s readiness for upcoming engagements, foremost among which is COP31.