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API reaffirms commitment to sustainable development goals at regional program

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KUWAIT: Director General of the Arab Planning Institute (API) Dr Abdullah Al-Shami has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting regional and international efforts aimed at achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to good health, well-being and access to clean water. “These are interconnected goals, without which comprehensive development cannot be achieved,” he stated. Al-Shami made his remarks during the opening of a two-day regional training program titled “Health Vigilance, Air Quality and Sustainable Treatment of Hazardous Waste”, jointly organized by the API and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).

He stressed that the topics addressed in the program extend beyond traditional environmental and health concerns and are deeply tied to the broader strategic challenges confronting sustainable development in the Arab region. “Environmental quality, health systems vigilance, and sustainable management of hazardous waste have become key indicators of a nation’s readiness to safeguard its people, resources and environment,” Al-Shami added.

He noted that the API views the program as a model of Arab institutional cooperation that blends strategic vision with practical expertise and scientific knowledge. “This reflects our belief in the importance of capacity building and knowledge exchange across Arab states,” he said. Al-Shami also underscored the program’s alignment with key SDGs, including Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). He expressed hope that the gathering would serve as a platform to foster dialogue, promote awareness, and forge effective partnerships across the Arab world in the fields of environment, public health and sustainable development.

For his part, Director of the Science and Scientific Research Department at ALECSO Dr Mohammed Abu Darwish emphasized the need to strengthen meaningful partnerships to advance sustainable development in the Arab region. He warned that health and environmental challenges are no longer confined to developing nations, but are now global in scale, citing the rising incidence of diseases linked to air and water pollution, and the growing burden of hazardous medical waste, especially in the wake of recent pandemics.

Abu Darwish called for a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling these pressing issues, noting that the program aims to bring together a distinguished group of experts and decision-makers to formulate practical and actionable solutions. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society in responding to these challenges.

He noted that sharing successful experiences among Arab countries, while remaining open to global best practices, is key to building more resilient and sustainable health and environmental systems. Abu Darwish expressed hope that the program would achieve several key outcomes, including greater awareness of health vigilance, enhanced institutional capacities for monitoring air quality and managing hazardous waste, and the integration of these themes into educational and training curricula.

The two-day program features five dialogue sessions on each day. Topics on the first day include: Health Vigilance Towards a Sustainable Health System, Monitoring and Improving Air Quality, Sustainable Treatment of Medical and Hazardous Waste, Health Awareness, Environmental and Health Policies and Legislation, and Arab Experiences in Achieving Arab Air Quality and Sustainable Treatment of Hazardous Medical Waste.

The second day will cover: Successful Global Experiences in Medical Waste Management, Incorporating Health Vigilance Concepts into Educational Curricula, Incorporating Medical Waste Management into Curricula, Innovative Solutions and Modern Technologies, and a continuation of Arab Experiences in Achieving Arab Air Quality and Sustainable Treatment of Hazardous Medical Waste. The Arab Planning Institute, established in 1980 and headquartered in Kuwait, is an independent, non-profit regional organization that works to advance economic and social development across Arab countries through capacity building, research, advisory services and knowledge exchange. — KUNA

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Zain showcases efforts in leveraging tech innovation to advance sustainability goals

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KUWAIT: Zain announced its sponsorship and participation in the Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week (KSEW), held in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). At the event, Zain showcased its efforts in leveraging technological innovation to support sustainability goals and reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy.

Zain took part in the opening ceremony, attended by the event’s patron, Dr Subeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, alongside Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, ministry officials, company executives, and a distinguished group of local and international experts in energy and sustainability. This participation came as part of Zain’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in national initiatives aimed at reinforcing the principles of sustainability and digital transformation. The company firmly believes in the importance of harnessing modern technologies to serve Kuwait’s environmental and developmental objectives.

During the event, Zain hosted a dedicated booth at the accompanying exhibition, where it showcased a range of its latest ICT solutions that support sustainable goals. These included innovations in smart cities, smart meters, and other solutions that help reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. The company’s support to this national initiative reflects its continued role as a strategic government partner in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy. It also highlighted Zain Group’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global and regional efforts to combat climate change.

Zain also took the opportunity to highlight its Smart Meters Project, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and Water back in 2017. The project marked a key milestone in upgrading Kuwait’s energy infrastructure and paved the way for the adoption of further smart and sustainable solutions nationwide. The company reiterated its support for initiatives and projects that advance the future of clean energy and contribute to building a comprehensive national sustainability ecosystem. It emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains the optimal path to achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.

Zain has set strategic targets to reduce its carbon footprint and aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To this end, the company continues to explore cutting-edge technologies such as 5.5G, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, which can help minimize the environmental impact of the ICT sector. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy initiatives, Zain recently installed a solar panel setup at the outdoor car park in its headquarters. The initiative promotes the use of clean energy to contribute to powering the company’s buildings and reducing its carbon emissions.

Reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the journey toward a sustainable digital economy

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Dust storms sweep across Kuwait; winds surpass 60 km/h

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KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. - KUNA

KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. – KUNA

KUWAIT: Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. Speaking to KUNA on Saturday, Al-Ali attributed the unstable weather conditions to the extension of a surface depression accompanied by a hot and dry air mass. This has led to rising temperatures, soil disintegration, and an increase in airborne dust.

He urged citizens and residents, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies, to wear protective masks when heading outdoors. Al-Ali also cautioned beachgoers about high sea waves, which may reach up to seven feet, and advised highway users to exercise extreme caution due to poor visibility. The official further called on the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts by following the Meteorology Department through its official website, mobile application, and social media platforms. — KUNA

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Gulf Housing Week focuses on sustainable development

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KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) announced that Kuwait will host the third edition of the Gulf Housing Week from May 18 to 22, under the theme “Real Estate Development for Sustainable Housing.” Deputy Director General for Public Relations and Development and official spokesperson of PAHW, Omar Al-Ruwaih, said in a press statement that the event comes as part of ongoing efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to strengthen regional cooperation in the housing sector.

The initiative aims to enhance integration, address key housing challenges, and promote the exchange of expertise to support sustainability and improve quality of life across the region. Al-Ruwaih noted that the event will feature a wide range of activities, including panel discussions, a specialized exhibition, and the second edition of the Gulf Housing Hackathon, which will see the participation of male and female students from across the GCC.

He emphasized that the week’s agenda is designed to foster collaboration, encourage best practices in housing and urban development, and highlight the latest technologies supporting sustainable housing solutions. The event will commence with the 47th meeting of the GCC Technical Committee on Housing Affairs. The following day will see the official opening ceremony and the inauguration of the accompanying exhibition. On May 20, the 26th meeting of senior housing officials will be held, culminating on May 22 with the 23rd meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Housing Affairs.

Al-Ruwaih stressed that Gulf Housing Week seeks to encourage public-private partnerships, promote innovative and sustainable housing initiatives, and contribute to the development of integrated, safe residential environments for GCC citizens. A series of panel sessions will take place over three days, covering topics such as real estate development prospects in Kuwait, public-private partnerships in PAHW projects, and financing strategies for sustainable housing. Discussions will also address smart applications in Gulf housing projects, technological innovations, and solutions to housing challenges faced by the region. — KUNA

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