Vice Minister Emphasizes Cooperation For Sustainable Environmental Solutions At UNEA-7 Meeting

Eng. Mansour Hilal Almushaiti, Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, highlighted the necessity for unified efforts at national, regional, and international levels to tackle global environmental issues. He stressed the importance of collaborative actions to create sustainable solutions that safeguard the planet and enhance its resilience. These efforts aim to ensure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

The high-level meeting was part of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), held in Nairobi, Kenya on December 11 and 12. The theme was "Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet," attracting significant international participation. Almushaiti noted Saudi Arabia's integrated approach to environmental sustainability through comprehensive national policies.

The Kingdom has implemented strategies focusing on natural resource management, vegetation cover development, desertification combatting, biodiversity preservation, carbon emission reduction, and adopting a circular economy approach. These measures aim to improve resource efficiency and enhance waste recycling. Almushaiti emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to supporting joint efforts in exchanging expertise and activating cooperation mechanisms in environmental fields.

Saudi Arabia actively contributes to addressing global environmental challenges by collaborating with regional and international partners. The Kingdom hosts significant events like World Environment Day, the One Water Summit, and COP16. These gatherings have launched initiatives aimed at reducing land degradation and mitigating drought impacts.

During UNEA-6, Saudi Arabia proposed a draft resolution on strengthening international cooperation against land degradation. This proposal received support from the assembly, highlighting Saudi Arabia's leadership in tackling global environmental issues. Almushaiti mentioned that over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated in Saudi Arabia as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.

The Kingdom has planted more than 151 million trees under this initiative. Additionally, it continues its work on the Middle East Green Initiative involving 30 Arab, Asian, and African countries. Both initiatives serve as frameworks for regional and international cooperation to protect the environment and ensure natural resource sustainability.

Commitment to Global Partnerships

Almushaiti reiterated Saudi Arabia's dedication to working with partners worldwide to strengthen joint environmental actions. He called for support for international initiatives like the Global Water Organization and Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership. These initiatives provide effective frameworks for enhancing joint international efforts against drought.

The vice minister concluded by reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to collaborate with all partners in bolstering collective environmental action. He urged support for global initiatives that contribute significantly to protecting our planet.

With inputs from SPA