Acting Director of the Environment: Kuwait is keen to enhance its capacity to address climate change and transition to a green economy

Muscat – 15 – 9 (KUNA) -- Noura Bahbahani, Acting Director General of the Kuwaiti General Environment Authority, affirmed on Tuesday the State of Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to address climate change and develop solutions to manage its impacts, as part of its journey toward a more sustainable and resilient green economy.

Bahbahani made these remarks in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following her participation in the “Women and Climate Summit” held within the framework of the “Oman Climate Week 2026,” organized by the Oman Environment Authority with the participation of officials, experts, and specialists from 50 countries.

She noted that, driven by this commitment, Kuwait prepared the “National Roadmap for Low-Carbon Development” in November 2025, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, thereby supporting its shift toward a more sustainable and resilient economy capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

Regarding the theme of “Women and Climate,” Bahbahani emphasized that women are a fundamental part of the future of climate action, clarifying that they are “not only among the groups most affected by the impacts of climate change, but also key partners in developing solutions, enhancing adaptive capacity, and leading the green transition.”

She stated that “Kuwait recognizes the magnitude of the climate challenges facing our communities, including rising temperatures, increased dust storms, and extreme weather events, along with their resulting health, social, and economic consequences.”

In this context, she highlighted the “distinguished” presence of Kuwaiti women in confronting these challenges, “not only through their community roles, but also in the fields of science, technology, engineering, research, and environmental innovation.”

In her address at the “Women and Climate Summit,” Bahbahani pointed out that Kuwaiti women have a prominent presence and active participation in various tracks of environmental and climate work, including the preparation of national communications and transparency reports, participation in science, research, and innovation, and institutional work, as well as their presence in leadership positions related to climate action within the General Environment Authority.

She underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in climate action in the coming phase, transitioning their role from mere presence to leadership, decision-making, innovation, and green entrepreneurship.

From this perspective, Bahbahani reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing the empowerment of women and enhancing their participation in all aspects of environmental and climate work, as well as expanding international cooperation for the exchange of expertise and capacity building.

She expressed her hope to see more women in climate leadership positions, in research and development, clean energy projects, the circular economy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.

Bahbahani also participated in a panel discussion titled “Women in Climate Action: Challenges, Resilience, and the Path to the Future,” alongside regional officials and specialists in the environmental and climate fields. The session featured discussions on climate change from a humanitarian and societal perspective, highlighting the role of women in addressing challenges and enhancing resilience.

The second edition of “Oman Climate Week 2026” launched in the Sultanate of Oman on Monday, running for three days with the aim of supporting climate action, enhancing sustainability efforts, and accelerating the implementation of climate solutions, with broad international participation.

The week’s events include a variety of programs and activities discussing national and regional priorities in climate action, with the participation of hundreds of exhibitors and speakers, including experts, decision-makers, and specialists in climate and environmental sustainability.

The regional environmental event also features several platforms for networking, partnerships, and bilateral meetings among participating entities, in addition to the “Women and Climate Summit” and the “Youth and Climate Conference,” providing opportunities to explore cooperation, exchange expertise, and showcase projects and initiatives related to climate action.

The second edition of “Oman Climate Week” aims to strengthen national and international partnerships in climate action, support innovation and practical solutions, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, contributing to achieving Oman’s goals in sustainability and climate action, and enhancing its presence in related regional and international efforts.

(End) M.J.B. / R.J.