Ministers of “Development and Sustainability” and “Youth”: Launch of the first national system for measuring environmental performance in youth facilities
State Minister for Development and Sustainability Dr. Reem Al-Faleh and State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma emphasized the importance of the memorandum of cooperation signed today (Monday) by the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs and the Public Authority for Youth and Sports, which launches the first national system for measuring and improving environmental performance in clubs, youth centers, and sports facilities.
Speaking to KUNA while presiding over and attending the signing ceremony at the Environmental Authority headquarters, Dr. Al-Faleh stated that the memorandum lays the foundation for a new phase of environmental work, shifting entities from general awareness to institutional measurement based on data, indicators, and periodic reports. She added, “What is not measured cannot be managed. Therefore, this system is launched from indicators that document performance and support decision-making, while engaging youth as active partners in designing, implementing, and disseminating the impact of environmental initiatives within society.”
Regarding the memorandum, she clarified that it aims to establish a unified guideline framework for measuring environmental performance, implement a system for annual sustainability reporting, and build a database for environmental indicators. This will contribute to enhancing resource efficiency and monitoring the impact of environmental initiatives in the youth and sports sectors. She noted that the memorandum includes guideline performance indicators for energy and water consumption, waste quantities and recycling rates, fuel and paper consumption, and the proportion of green spaces, in addition to indicators for environmental training and awareness.
For his part, Dr. Al-Jalahma, while presiding over and attending the signing, told KUNA that the memorandum transforms youth and sports facilities into practical platforms for implementing, measuring, and developing environmental initiatives. He said this cooperation embodies integration among government entities and translates national sustainability objectives into executable and measurable programs, thereby enhancing youth participation and improving the operational efficiency of youth and sports facilities.
He explained that the memorandum includes the launch of the “Sustainability Ambassadors” program, aimed at qualifying and training youth affiliated with clubs, youth centers, and sports facilities in the principles of environmental sustainability. This will empower them to support environmental initiatives, raise awareness, and participate in related activities as sustainability ambassadors within their communities.
