Al-Faleh: Sustainability is an Essential Part of State Readiness, Risk Management, and Ensuring Continuity of Vital Sectors

State Minister for Development and Sustainability, Dr. Reem Al-Faleh, stated that recent regional developments have shown that sustainability is no longer solely linked to protecting the environment and its resources, but has become an essential component of the state’s readiness and its ability to manage risks and ensure the continuity of its vital sectors under all circumstances.

Speaking at a workshop organized by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) under the patronage of Oil Minister Tariq Al-Roumi today to review crisis management, the integration of the hydrocarbon and waste transportation system, and mechanisms for controlling oil spills, Al-Faleh added that, based on this responsibility, the Council of Ministers had directed the Ministry of Development and Sustainability, in coordination with relevant government entities, to monitor the national readiness level for dealing with potential environmental risks.

She clarified that the ministry has worked on preparing the National Environmental Risks Register, identifying eight main risks and their response pathways, with the aim of building a clear national picture of risks, defining responsibilities, and measuring the readiness level to address them. She noted that true readiness begins before a crisis occurs, through knowing, measuring, and preparing for the risk.

She emphasized that the oil sector holds a highly significant position within this framework, given the advanced expertise possessed by KPC and its subsidiaries in areas such as safety, waste management, handling hazardous materials, and responding to spills, accidents, and crises. She described this expertise as a “national asset” that can be built upon and leveraged at the state level.

Al-Faleh added that the importance of the workshop lies in showcasing best practices in waste management, tracking and supervising transport vehicles, and responding to marine spills and crises, representing an opportunity to convert this accumulated expertise into practices that enhance the environmental risk management system in the State of Kuwait.

She explained that the success of this workshop will not be measured solely by the information presented during it, but by how its outputs are translated into practical steps that strengthen environmental protection and improve the efficiency of responding to risks and crises. She stated that sustainability is not just about protecting today’s resources, but also about preparing for tomorrow’s risks and building a national system capable of confronting them.

For his part, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation CEO Sheikh Nawaf Al-Saud Al-Sabah said that environmental sustainability represents an integral part of the oil sector’s responsibility and mission, affirming the corporation’s commitment to supporting state efforts to address potential environmental pollution risks, particularly those related to oil sector operations.

In an opening address at the workshop, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah stated that the pillars related to oil sector operations include enhancing the speed of reporting environmental incidents, continuously updating emergency plans, and utilizing modern technologies in monitoring, tracking, and surveillance activities, which will undoubtedly contribute to building a more effective national system for responding to risks and protecting people, the environment, and vital facilities.

He emphasized the importance of this workshop as a new milestone in a long history of cooperation between the oil sector and various state agencies, and as a practical translation of shared convictions. He noted that addressing challenges requires the exchange of expertise to serve Kuwait and enhance its sustainability.

He said that the Kuwaiti oil sector has witnessed numerous experiences throughout its history that have contributed to building solid institutional expertise, enhancing its capabilities in managing environmental crises and effectively handling emergencies, especially given the exceptional current geopolitical conditions affecting the country and the region.

The workshop’s activities included presentations of waste management and environmental response experiences by three companies affiliated with the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Kuwait Oil Company outlined its historical journey in waste management and oil spill response, while Kuwait Petroleum Corporation presented its experience in environmental governance and crisis management. Kuwait National Petroleum Company detailed its journey in adopting best practices for environmental protection and responding to oil incidents. Each presentation was followed by an open discussion and question-and-answer session, allowing participants to exchange views and expertise.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants emphasized the oil sector’s commitment to continuing coordination and cooperation with all national entities to enhance environmental readiness and develop mechanisms for addressing environmental risks, in service of the national interest and to preserve the marine and terrestrial environment for future generations.