KUWAIT: Wars in the Arab World are burdening the environment with insurmountable problems that will take generations to heal, said Kuwait Environment Protection Society’s Chairperson Wajdan Al-Aqab. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the society’s campaign for the International Day for the Prevention of the Use of the Environment in Wars and Armed Conflicts, Aqab said efforts to build a better future with environmentally sound practices, regionally and internationally cannot be achieved amidst ongoing conflicts and wars.
She highlighted the staggering number of battles, including those in areas that were once safe but have since been ravaged by wars, undermining peace, security, and natural and environmental resources. She added that 2023 reports, including those from the Australian Institute for Economics and Peace, confirm that around 97 countries are involved, directly or indirectly, in about 56 conflicts and wars, which have cost the global economy nearly $19 trillion. She also pointed out the issue of displaced persons and refugees, who reach approximately 95 million people, putting immense pressure on the resources and capacities of the countries they have fled to.
Aqab said deliberately using the environment as a tool of war poses significant threats to water and food security, contributes to the spread of diseases, and undermines efforts to combat climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution in land, sea, and air.
UN Resident Coordinator Ghada Al-Taher recalled how Kuwait directly witnessed the catastrophic environmental impact of war on its national environment three decades ago. She noted the physical and emotional toll of the war and how Kuwait made great efforts to recover, especially through collective action. "Kuwait demonstrated real heroism through its firefighters in extinguishing the oil well fires following the liberation of the country,” Taher said. "Through this painful experience, Kuwait became a strong advocate for environmental protection in the face of war and armed conflict and has since become a global leader in this cause. The United Nations is proud to stand with the people, society, and government of Kuwait in advancing this agenda.”
Taher emphasized that protecting the environment in times of war and armed conflict is a key priority for the United Nations globally, and for Kuwait specifically. She concluded by noting that "environment, peace, and security are deeply interconnected and require collective efforts across all sectors and disciplines. I hope today’s dialogue leads to a broader network of ideas and inspiration that will lead to tangible and joint efforts in the near future.”
The global truce initiative proposed by the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is also the president of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) was widely praised during the event by participants and speakers. The initiative calls for a global ceasefire, starting one week before the conference and ending one week after, from November 4 to November 29.
In this context, Mirdavud Sultanov, Advisor at the Azerbaijani Embassy, representing Ambassador Emil Karimov, spoke about the initiative during the event. He explained that "the Republic of Azerbaijan aims to involve as many countries and non-governmental organizations, including religious and sectarian groups, as possible in this initiative.” He also noted that "based on the friendship and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Kuwait, the Azerbaijani side hopes for the support of Kuwait, whether through a formal letter, oral note, or message of support.” He praised the Kuwait Environment Protection Society’s support for the initiative and its efforts to promote it regionally and internationally.
The event was held under the patronage of Ahmad Al-Eidan, CEO of Kuwait Oil Company, and with the attendance of representatives from various state entities, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, and school students. It featured a workshop on the environmental impact of projectiles, bombs, and weapons, with speakers from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, and Kuwait Oil Company, among others.
In addition, the Kuwait Environment Protection Society organized a related exhibition with seven pavilions, showcasing the efforts of the Ministry of Defense, the Kuwait Army, the Ministry of Interior, the Protection of the Marine Environment, the Public Authority of Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, and the Kuwait Environment Protection Society.