Kuwait affirms commitment to innovation

KUWAIT: Oil Minister Tareq Al-Roumi affirmed Kuwait’s keenness to promote environmental awareness and sustainable development during the inauguration of the First Forum and Exhibition of Kuwaiti Environmental Engineers, describing the event as a pioneering initiative that highlights the country’s growing interest in environmental sciences. The forum, organized by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS) under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, continues until Tuesday.

In a speech delivered on behalf of His Highness, Minister Al-Roumi said the premier’s patronage of the event underscores the leadership’s commitment to supporting environmental initiatives, particularly in light of accelerating global environmental challenges. Al-Roumi noted that the oil sector is working closely with the Environment Public Authority and civil society institutions to implement green projects, including mangrove planting in the Jahra Reserve, as part of broader efforts to build a sustainable, eco-friendly economy.

Minister of Oil in the pavilion of Engineer Yousef Al-Ramzi.

Minister of Oil in the pavilion of Engineer Sarah Al-Ramzi

He highlighted significant progress in reducing gas flaring within the oil sector, stating that flaring rates were cut from 17.2 percent in 2005-06 to just 0.51 percent. He added that the sector continues to adopt best practices and advanced technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact while balancing economic and environmental sustainability. Al-Roumi further emphasized that the sector is working toward a comprehensive energy transition strategy by 2050, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. He pointed to Kuwait’s growing interest in clean and alternative energy, referencing strategic partnerships with international firms in the production of biofuels as part of the country’s efforts to diversify its energy sources.

For her part, Dr. Wijdan Al-Oqab, KEPS President and Chair of the Forum’s Supreme Organizing Committee, noted the Society’s longstanding contributions to environmental advocacy and its innovative approach to community engagement. She said KEPS has, for over a decade, encouraged high school students to pursue academic paths in environmental sciences and engineering, recognizing the essential link between environmental research and national development goals.

Al-Oqab emphasized that the Society’s initiative in launching the first forum of its kind reflects its pioneering role in the environmental field, noting a steady increase in student interest in environmental engineering, a milestone being celebrated during the forum. Engineer Sara Al-Ramzi, Chairwoman and Founder of the Kuwaiti Environmental Engineers Team, said the Prime Minister’s support sends a strong message of encouragement to national talent, especially those in environmental specializations. She added that the forum provides a vital platform for environmental engineers to showcase their work and contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainability goals.

Vice President and official spokesperson of the team, Engineer Yousef Al-Ramzi, affirmed that the forum plays an important role in elevating the status of environmental engineers, opening up new job prospects and promoting sustainable practices across the public and private sectors. He announced the launch of the Environmental Engineers Platform to further support knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation in the field. The forum features five scientific sessions and includes 25 expert-led lectures in addition to an exhibition of 21 booths representing various participating organizations. — KUNA