KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) affirmed on Sunday that the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Their Natural Habitats in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states reflects the ongoing commitment of GCC nations to environmental cooperation and the protection of the region’s ecological heritage. Speaking to KUNA, Acting Director General of the EPA, Nouf Behbehani, said the meeting—held in Kuwait—comes in line with the directives of GCC leaders to strengthen joint environmental action, preserve natural resources and ensure ecological sustainability and biodiversity across the region.

Behbehani noted that the gathering brings together representatives from GCC states, environmental specialists, and officials from the GCC General Secretariat. Discussions will focus on key environmental developments, including updates to the environmental operational plan extending to 2030, and Kuwait’s proposal to form technical working groups to support biodiversity-related environmental agreements.

Acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority, Nouf Behbehani

Engr Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie

The meeting’s agenda also includes preparations for the first Gulf Wildlife Conference, the adoption of a unified logo for the event, and updates to the Gulf Wildlife Agreement and the GCC’s environmental strategic framework. Participants will explore enhanced coordination in implementing global environmental treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Additional topics include the regulation of falcon ownership and broader wildlife protection measures. The committee is expected to issue a series of recommendations and action plans, including the endorsement of a unified framework for electronic CITES permits and the approval of upcoming training workshops aimed at protecting endangered species and rehabilitating ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, underscored the importance of the meeting, describing it as a significant step toward achieving greater accomplishments in wildlife conservation in accordance with international best practices. Al-Rubaie praised Kuwait’s leadership and continued commitment to environmental treaties, commending the collaborative efforts of GCC representatives, experts, and officials in promoting environmental sustainability for future generations. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Women’s Institute for Development and Peace (WIDP) organized the fifth edition of the Kuwait Deaf Day Forum under the theme “The Cry of the Deaf and Kuwait Vision 2035,” highlighting the importance of empowering individuals with hearing disabilities and enhancing their integration into all sectors of society. Held on May 8 under the patronage and attendance of Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, the forum took place at the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States. The event resulted in a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at upholding the rights of the hearing-impaired in education, healthcare, and employment.

WIDP President Kawthar Al-Jouan told KUNA on Sunday that the forum put forth general, sector-specific, and health-related recommendations designed to support the inclusion of the hearing-impaired and affirm their right to self-determination. Al-Jouan stressed the importance of expanding educational opportunities for the deaf community, including access to Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). She also called for the creation of employment pathways tailored to this capable and distinguished segment of society.

The forum featured four dialogue sessions with the participation of experts, specialists, and policymakers from Kuwait and Bahrain. Key recommendations included the employment of hearing-impaired individuals, admission of deaf students into the College of Basic Education, official recognition of Kuwaiti Sign Language as a second language, and revising school hours to align with public education needs. Additional proposals focused on utilizing retired teachers within the Special Education Department and appointing qualified sign language interpreters, with calls to provide financial rewards for their services.

On the healthcare front, recommendations emphasized the importance of early detection of hearing loss, proper use of hearing aids, and granting individuals the right to seek medical treatment abroad when local options are unavailable. Al-Jouan concluded the forum by honoring participants from the Ministry of Education, the Educational Research Center for the Gulf States, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ Committee for Promoting Moderation, the Dean of the College of Education at Kuwait University, and the Director of the Special Education Schools Department, in recognition of their contributions to the forum’s success. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs launches a specialized training course in sign language for staff members of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Public Authority for the Disabled, and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. – KUNA photos

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah affirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing services for all segments of society—particularly the deaf and mute—through the development of employees’ communication skills in sign language. In a press statement on Sunday, Dr Al-Huwailah announced the launch of a specialized training course in sign language for staff members of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Public Authority for the Disabled, and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The course, which began earlier in the day at Al-Mubarakiya Hall in the Ministries Complex, will continue until May 27.

Dr Al-Huwailah noted that the training, led by Dr Mohammad Al-Ramzi, falls within the ministry’s broader strategy to create an inclusive and integrated service environment. The initiative aims to facilitate communication with individuals with hearing disabilities, enhance the efficiency of service delivery, and raise the overall standard of job performance. “Equipping employees with sign language skills directly contributes to service quality and supports the ministry’s vision of inclusive access to services for all members of society without exception,” Dr Al-Huwailah said.

For his part, Dr Al-Ramzi explained that the training covers foundational aspects of sign language and its practical application in day-to-day interactions with clients who are deaf or mute. He emphasized that such initiatives help simplify procedures, improve client satisfaction, and strengthen the effectiveness of public services. Dr Al-Ramzi further highlighted the importance of promoting sign language as a vital tool for communication and integration, calling it a “bridge” that connects the hearing-impaired community with broader society and fosters greater awareness and inclusion. — KUNA