GCC Secretary General: Environmental protection supports green investment and enhances competitiveness of Gulf economies

Manama, October 11 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed today in Manama that Gulf states adopt an integrated approach that makes environmental protection a driver for green investment and the creation of high-quality jobs, enhances the competitiveness of their economies, and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy while preserving natural resources for future generations.

This statement came during Al-Budaiwi’s address at the 28th meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs of the GCC states, held under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Din, with the attendance of the ministers responsible for environmental affairs in GCC member states, including Kuwait’s State Minister for Development and Sustainability, Dr. Reem Al-Faleh.

He noted that the GCC Secretariat General, in accordance with directives from the leaders of the GCC states (may God protect and guard them), is working to strengthen joint Gulf environmental efforts by coordinating among member states to establish unified environmental policies that align with the economic and developmental trajectories of the GCC countries.

The Secretary-General stated that in recent years, GCC states have taken significant steps in environmental action, translating their environmental commitments into ambitious initiatives and pioneering projects. Policies aimed at reducing emissions and increasing reliance on renewable energy have become fundamental pillars in their national pathways toward a low-carbon economy that balances economic growth with the preservation of natural resources.

In this context, he said these efforts represent the outcome of an integrated Gulf approach that combines environmental and economic dimensions, making environmental protection an effective tool to stimulate investment in high-value-added green sectors and to create high-quality jobs in clean energy and modern environmental technologies. This approach also applies the principles of the circular carbon economy, contributing to expanding the production base, enhancing the competitiveness of GCC states, and achieving sustainable development across its three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental.

Al-Budaiwi also reiterated the importance of unifying Gulf visions and positions in international forums related to these issues, and strengthening the presence of GCC states as an influential and effective bloc in global efforts to combat climate change and preserve the environment for future generations.

He noted that one of the most prominent joint Gulf efforts at present is the continuous coordination among member states to address certain international regulations and measures with cross-border impacts, thereby safeguarding the interests of GCC states and their competitiveness in global energy markets. (End) K.N.A / N.S.A