GCC Secretary General: Environmental protection supports green investment and enhances competitiveness of Gulf economies
GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi affirmed in Manama yesterday that Gulf countries are adopting 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, supports the transition to a low-carbon economy, and preserves 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 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr. Mohammed 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 is working, in accordance with directives from the heads of state of the member countries, to strengthen joint GCC environmental efforts by coordinating among the member states to establish unified environmental policies that complement the economic and developmental pathways of the GCC countries.
The Secretary-General stated that in recent years, GCC countries have taken significant steps in environmental action, translating their environmental commitments into ambitious initiatives and pioneering projects. Emissions reduction policies and increased reliance on renewable energy have become fundamental pillars in their national pathways toward transitioning to a low-carbon economy that balances economic growth with the preservation of natural resources.
In this context, he said these efforts represent the fruit of an integrated GCC 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, while applying the principles of the circular carbon economy. This contributes to expanding the production base, enhancing the competitiveness of GCC countries, and achieving sustainable development across its three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental.
Al-Budaiwi also reiterated the importance of unifying GCC visions and positions in relevant international forums, and strengthening the presence of GCC countries as an influential and effective bloc in global efforts to address climate change and preserve the environment for future generations.
He noted that one of the most prominent joint GCC 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 countries and their competitiveness in global energy markets.
