Start of the 37th Session of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs with Kuwait's Participation

Cairo, Jan 1 (KUNA) -- The 37th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs kicked off today, Thursday, with the participation of Kuwait’s Minister of State for Development and Sustainability, Dr. Reem Al-Faleh, to discuss issues of climate change, biodiversity, desertification, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

In an opening address, Yemeni Minister of Water and Environment, Eng. Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, who serves as the Council’s chairman, stated that the Arab region is facing growing environmental and developmental challenges, foremost among them water scarcity, drought, desertification, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and climate change. He noted that these challenges directly and indirectly impact water security, development, the economy, and social stability.

Al-Sharjabi added that the convening of this session comes at a time when the Arab region is confronting escalating environmental and developmental hurdles, emphasizing that environmental issues are no longer isolated concerns but have become fundamental elements of national security, social stability, and the future of development in the region.

He clarified that the session’s agenda reflects the importance of environmental action through topics related to climate change, biodiversity, desertification control, and the sustainable management of natural resources, alongside various environmental priorities. Al-Sharjabi stressed that climate change is no longer a future challenge but a present one affecting food resources, expressing his country’s appreciation for the coordination achieved among Arab states on environmental and climate issues.

He considered that the current stage requires enhanced coordination and the formulation of effective Arab positions at international forums, reflecting the priorities of Arab countries and the specificity of their developmental circumstances. He emphasized that raising climate ambition must be accompanied by the provision of ordinary and concessional financing, capacity building, and the enhancement of knowledge and technology transfer to meet the needs of developing and least developed countries, enabling them to fulfill their commitments and achieve their developmental goals.

He viewed the interlinkage between water, agriculture, and the environment as an integrated system where no component can be addressed in isolation, noting that water security is linked to food security, with both connected to the integrity of ecosystems and their capacity to withstand drought and desertification.

He stated that the essence of environmental work lies in protecting humanity and safeguarding the right to development and a decent life, explaining that climate justice is gaining increasing importance, requiring consideration of disparities in capabilities and conditions among countries, and special attention to the most vulnerable communities and environments affected by climate change.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, he affirmed that it, with Gaza Strip at its core, remains present in the Council’s work and in the Arab consciousness, noting that its impacts have extended to water, soil, air, natural resources, and ecosystems. He called for continuing efforts to reduce the scale of damage and environmental degradation, strengthen Palestinian institutional capacities, and mobilize necessary support for recovery and the rehabilitation of damaged systems.

He said the Arab region possesses the expertise, resources, and capabilities to shape a more sustainable and resilient future, urging that this session serve as a milestone in transitioning from consensus to implementation, from decisions to application, and from crisis management to building resilience and preparing for the future. He also called for solidarity, partnership, and justice to form the basis of joint Arab action, preserving natural resources and safeguarding the rights of current and future generations to a safe and stable environment, and to a safer and more stable region.

He expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Mauritanian Presidency for its efforts during the previous session of the Council, its management of the session’s affairs, follow-up on its issues and topics, and its contribution to enhancing the trajectory of joint environmental action.

The Council is discussing a draft agenda comprising several items under two main pillars. The first pillar concerns the follow-up of international environmental agreements and meetings, foremost among them the outcomes of the 24th meeting of the Arab Working Group on Biodiversity and Desertification, the results of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification, nature-based solutions, and the interlinkage of water, agriculture, and environment policies. It also includes follow-up on conventions related to chemicals, waste, and ozone.

The first pillar gives special attention to climate change issues, including coordinating the Arab negotiating position in preparation for the 31st Conference of the Parties, as well as sustainable production and consumption, and preparations for the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, the High-Level Political Forum, and the UN Environment Assembly.

Conversely, the second pillar addresses Arab environmental affairs, including the Arab Environment Forum, the Arab Environment Facility, the environmental situation in Palestine and Arab countries suffering from environmental disasters, the Arab Capital of the Environment, and the Council’s award.

The Council will also discuss the proposed agenda for the 38th session, the slogan for the Arab Environment Day for 2027 and 2028, the environmental outlook report for the Arab region, the blue economy, and frameworks for international cooperation in various fields.

The Kuwaiti delegation, led by Dr. Al-Faleh, includes the Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, and several officials from the Public Authority for Environmental Protection. (End) M.M. / T.M.A