International Day for Preventing the Use of the Environment in War: A Kuwaiti initiative

The world today, Friday, commemorates the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, observed annually on November 6. This United Nations observance was initiated by Kuwait and adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 5, 2001, to highlight the catastrophic impacts of wars and conflicts on the environment and biodiversity.

This occasion underscores Kuwait’s pioneering role in environmental protection. The international community observes this day pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 56/4, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding the environment from the effects of war and armed conflict.

The observance holds particular significance for Kuwait, drawing on its painful experience during the Iraqi invasion in 1990. Kuwait suffered an environmental catastrophe when more than 700 oil wells were set ablaze, causing severe damage to its environment. The burning of these wells led to the contamination of vast areas of land and water, with environmental damage spreading to neighboring countries.

Following the defeat of the invaders and Kuwait’s liberation, the country swiftly formed a specialized firefighting team. This team collaborated with various national entities and several advanced countries to extinguish the burning wells within a record time, setting a prominent example of national unity in confronting environmental disasters caused by war.

November 6 was chosen as the annual date for this observance, marking the day the last burning oil well in Kuwait was extinguished in 1991. This date has become a national and humanitarian symbol, evolving into a global occasion stemming from Kuwait’s initiative.

As part of Kuwait’s efforts to highlight its role in environmental protection and enhance international awareness of the dangers of war on natural resources, the Kuwait Environment Public Authority announced its readiness to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of this observance.

These preparations reaffirm Kuwait’s pioneering role in launching this international initiative. Preparations include coordination with Kuwait Oil Company to establish a permanent exhibition at the company’s Ahmadi Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition, documenting the story of the International Day and the Kuwaiti initiative.

Kuwait attaches great importance to supporting efforts to preserve the environment from armed conflict through various positions and initiatives. Among the earliest was the speech delivered by the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God have mercy on him), at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992, following the country’s liberation from the odious invasion. He emphasized the commitment to rebuilding Kuwait’s environment, which had been damaged by the burning of oil wells, and called on the international community to enact legislation classifying the deliberate destruction of the environment as a crime against humanity.

In November 2002, the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God have mercy on him), then serving as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed Kuwait’s appreciation for the UN’s adoption of this observance during a speech marking the first anniversary of the declaration of the International Day. He stated that “the declaration of this day represents a victory over forces of evil and aggression and affirms to all countries the necessity of preserving the environment and bequeathing it to future generations, free from all forms of pollution and suitable for safe and stable living.”

In 2018, Kuwait organized the first initiative of its kind for the UN Security Council on the impact of armed conflicts on the environment, aiming to highlight the catastrophic consequences that may result from damage to the environment.

In 2025, the Gulf Cooperation Council, through the Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations, emphasized during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva the necessity of strengthening international cooperation to address pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation in the oceans, and to tackle the causes and consequences thereof, recognizing the oceans as a vital component of the global ecosystem and a primary source of livelihood and food security for millions of people.

On this occasion, in a 2025 statement, Kuwait, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed full solidarity with efforts aimed at protecting the environment during wars and armed conflicts, stressing the imperative to respect international law, which provides for the protection of the environment before, during, and after armed conflicts.