Arab League Calls for Transitioning Environmental Work from Policies to Implementation

Cairo, Jan 1 (KUNA) -- The Arab League called on Thursday for a shift in Arab environmental action from formulating policies and commitments to implementing viable programs and projects, and providing the necessary resources to achieve tangible impacts in Arab societies. This was stated in a speech delivered by Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Ali Al-Maliki, at the 37th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment, held under the Yemeni presidency.

Al-Maliki noted that the Council has solidified its position over more than three decades as the political and technical reference for joint Arab environmental action and the umbrella under which Arab positions on priority environmental and climate issues are crystallized. He pointed out that the international momentum in 2026 within the framework of the three Rio Conventions may provide Arab countries with an opportunity to strengthen their presence and highlight their shared priorities on the global environmental agenda.

He highlighted the Arab League’s participation in monitoring the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Mongolia, with a focus on Arab priorities, foremost among which are combating drought, land degradation, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing resilience. He congratulated Egypt on hosting the 18th session of the COP, scheduled for 2028, and noted the League’s readiness to participate in the 17th session of the COP to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Armenia, aiming to enhance Arab presence in international negotiations and support efforts to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.

On the issue of climate change, Al-Maliki explained that the League participated in the Oman Climate Week, which served as a platform for exchanging expertise, enhancing cooperation and partnerships in climate action, and discussing opportunities for transitioning toward more resilient and sustainable economies. He added that the Arab League has intensified its efforts to prepare for the 31st session of the COP (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya next November, and to enhance Arab coordination on priority issues and negotiations, contributing to the formulation of balanced Arab positions that take into account the challenges and developmental needs of Arab countries.

He stated that the League will organize the Arab Climate Pavilion to serve as a platform for highlighting Arab initiatives and efforts, showcasing Arab experiences and practices, and enhancing dialogue and partnerships between Arab countries, international and regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society. He called on Arab countries, institutions, and partners to continue cooperating with the League to ensure the success of Arab participation and strengthen its presence at the conference.

He emphasized that developing Arab environmental action requires developing Arab mechanisms for environmental and climate financing, enhancing the utilization of international and regional financial institutions, encouraging private sector investments, alongside capacity building and knowledge exchange, thereby moving Arab action from the stage of commitments to implementation and achieving tangible impact.

Regarding the theme of the current session, Al-Maliki said the Council chose “Pasture Sustainability to Enhance Resilience” as the theme for the 37th session, coinciding with the International Year of Pastures and Pastoralists 2026. He explained that the topic relates to a fundamental aspect of the environmental and developmental challenges in the Arab region. He clarified that pastures constitute a pillar for food security, livelihoods of rural and nomadic communities, and contribute to preserving biodiversity, reducing land degradation and desertification, and enhancing the ability to cope with the impacts of climate change.

He considered that pasture sustainability and the restoration of degraded rangeland systems require an integrated approach combining environmental, economic, and social dimensions, based on science and local expertise, and enhancing the participation of local communities, pastoralists, women, and youth. He referred to the outcomes of the Arab Environment Forum held last Tuesday at the League’s headquarters, particularly regarding ways to sustain pastures and enhance resilience, with the participation of relevant countries, organizations, and partners, thereby supporting the formulation of practical, implementable recommendations and initiatives.

Al-Maliki affirmed that environmental issues in the State of Palestine, foremost among them the Gaza Strip, remain at the forefront of the Council’s concerns, given the widespread damage inflicted on the Palestinian environment and its long-term environmental, humanitarian, and health consequences. He stressed the importance of continuing to raise the Palestinian environmental file in international forums and supporting the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority in building its capacity to monitor damage, recover, and rehabilitate.

He also reiterated support for Arab countries facing exceptional environmental challenges and situations, foremost among them Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Somalia, and Libya, as well as countries bearing additional burdens due to hosting large numbers of refugees and displaced persons, which necessitates further international and regional support.

He clarified that the items, reports, and topics presented to the Council are the result of continuous technical work carried out by the League in cooperation with Arab countries, organizations, and relevant partners. He highlighted the importance of achieving integration between political and technical work, and activating monitoring and implementation mechanisms to transform decisions and recommendations into programs, projects, and partnerships that achieve tangible impacts in Arab societies.

He expressed hope that the session’s deliberations would yield practical outcomes responding to accelerating environmental challenges and supporting Arab countries’ efforts to achieve sustainable development, enhance their environmental, water, and food security, and build more resilient societies.

Al-Maliki concluded by emphasizing that the session’s outcomes would be a qualitative addition to the trajectory of joint Arab environmental action, and that the Council should continue its role in unifying Arab efforts and positions, enhancing partnerships, and defending the interests and priorities of the Arab region in international environmental forums. (End) M.M. / T.M.A