KUWAIT : The meeting, hosted by Kuwait, brought together ministers and senior officials responsible for environmental affairs across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to enhance joint Gulf action in protecting the environment and addressing emerging ecological challenges.

In his address, His Excellency Dr. Al Amri highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by GCC nations over the years, noting that the foundation for collective environmental action was laid as early as 1985 when the Supreme Council, at its sixth session in Muscat, adopted general policies and principles for environmental protection. These frameworks, he said, continue to guide strategic cooperation in the region.

He emphasized that the consistent efforts and coordination among member states have led to the adoption of several key environmental regulations, including the General Environment Regulation, the Unified Environmental Assessment Regulation, and the Unified System for the Protection and Development of Wildlife, along with the GCC Agreement for the Conservation of Wildlife and Natural Habitats.

HE Dr. Al Amri also reaffirmed Oman’s achievements in biodiversity preservation, pollution control, and climate action, aligning with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 program. He noted that the Sultanate continues to contribute actively to regional and international environmental dialogues, particularly through its leadership role at the United Nations Environment Assembly.

The 27th GCC meeting addressed several key topics, including the Supreme Council’s environmental orientations for 2020, the strategic plan for the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, the establishment of a unified Gulf environmental index, and the development of the Gulf Environmental Portal. Other discussions focused on regional cooperation in tackling plastic pollution through a unified Gulf stance in international negotiations, as well as reinforcing commitments to wildlife conservation and the Green Middle East Initiative.

Among the notable initiatives reviewed were the creation of a Gulf Environmental Index to measure collective performance, the GCC Environment and Wildlife Award to encourage conservation efforts, and enhanced collaboration with international partners on sustainable development goals.

The meeting concluded with discussions on unified regional positions for upcoming global environmental forums, particularly the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly scheduled for December.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.