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Biodiversity protection a shared responsibility for sustainability: EPA
KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) reaffirmed Thursday that the protection of biodiversity is a collective responsibility and a moral and humanitarian obligation, requiring unified national and global efforts to secure a prosperous present and a sustainable future for generations to come. Acting Director General of the EPA Nouf Behbehani made the remarks during a ceremony marking the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD), organized by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), and the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In her address, Behbehani noted that IBD, observed annually on May 22, commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity during the landmark 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The summit, she said, marked a pivotal moment in global environmental governance with the adoption of three major conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), forming the foundation of international environmental sustainability efforts.
Behbehani highlighted that this year’s celebration is held under the theme “Be Part of the Plan,” which calls for harmonizing development with nature and underscores the urgent need to redefine humanity’s relationship with the environment. She emphasized that safeguarding biodiversity is vital to ensuring food and water security, climate stability, and public health.
She outlined four key pillars of the national biodiversity campaign: raising public awareness on the importance of biodiversity; updating national strategies in alignment with international frameworks; strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration to fulfill obligations under global environmental treaties; and encouraging development initiatives that prioritize environmental protection and long-term sustainability.
Representing KOTC’s Acting CEO Sheikh Khaled Ahmed Al-Malik Al-Sabah, Acting Director of the Health, Safety and Environment Group Mohammed Mirza reiterated the company’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. He affirmed KOTC’s active role in promoting sustainable practices and supporting national initiatives aligned with Kuwait’s environmental vision.
Mirza highlighted the company’s achievements, including the full operation of its LPG filling branches in Shuaiba and Umm Al-Aish using solar energy. He also pointed to the environmental compliance of the company’s fleet, which adheres to international maritime regulations such as ballast water treatment systems and emission reduction measures. KOTC, he added, remains engaged in various environmental initiatives, including coastal cleanups, awareness campaigns, tree planting, recycling, and climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, Dr Wijdan Al-Oqab, Chairperson of the IUCN National Committee and President of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), emphasized Kuwait’s international commitment to biodiversity through its ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the submission of national reports.
She called for a serious re-evaluation of the current environmental situation in the country and advocated for a shift from an exploitative relationship with nature to a balanced and cooperative approach. Dr Al-Oqab lauded the EPA’s executive role in implementing environmental legislation and monitoring adherence to global agreements, in addition to the contributions of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and civil society organizations in advancing environmental awareness.
She further praised KEPS’ pioneering efforts in public education, including the production of Arab-recognized environmental documentaries such as “Every Day a Bird” and “Every Day a Plant,” which have documented Kuwait’s wildlife and now serve as valuable scientific and educational resources across the Arab world and within Kuwaiti schools. The event underscored a unified call for action to protect biodiversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development and environmental resilience. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwait hosted a specialized training workshop for members of the technical committees of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries under the “Wafid” program, aimed at enhancing cooperation and unifying health procedures related to the medical examination of expatriate workers. The three-day workshop was jointly organized by Kuwait’s Ministry of Health, represented by the Public Health Department, and the Health Council of the GCC countries.
Director of the Public Health Department at the Ministry of Health, Dr Fahad Al-Ghamlas, said in a press statement on Thursday that the workshop brings together a select group of doctors and public health specialists from across the GCC, all of whom are involved in the medical screening of expatriates from labor-exporting countries.
Participants take group photos after the technical committees workshop for the Wafid Program. – KUNA photos
Dr Al-Ghamlas noted that the workshop focuses on reviewing and updating the regulations governing medical examinations for expatriates entering GCC countries for employment or residency, ensuring alignment with regional and global health standards. He explained that participants are also being trained on the use of the guide to accreditation standards for medical examination centers and the application of a modern electronic evaluation form to assess center performance.
“The workshop marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to develop the external medical examination system for expatriates,” he said, adding that the initiative will bolster the reliability of health screening procedures and contribute to the early detection of communicable and non-communicable diseases, thereby reducing the health and economic burdens on GCC healthcare systems.
Dr Al-Ghamlas said the program includes several key components, including hands-on training in technical evaluation methods, review of unified Gulf health requirements, and updates to clinical, laboratory, and radiological examination protocols in line with the latest internationally approved standards. He added that Kuwait’s hosting of the workshop for the second time reflects its commitment to a unified regional strategy aimed at strengthening integration among GCC countries in the field of health policy. The initiative seeks to ensure the highest standards of quality and excellence in both preventive and therapeutic healthcare services across the region. — KUNA
KUWAIT: In line with its ongoing efforts to drive national workforce empowerment in Kuwait’s private sector, Zain announced its exclusive sponsorship of the 26th career fair organized by the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). The three-day event was held at GUST’s campus in Mubarak Al-Abdullah and featured the participation of over 50 leading local and international organizations from various sectors and industries. As the Exclusive Sponsor, Zain took part in the fair’s opening ceremony, attended by Zain Kuwait CEO Nawaf Al-Gharabally, Acting Secretary General of the Private Universities Council Adel Al-Badr, and Chairman of GUST’s Board of Trustees Nawaf Arhama.
Also present were Zain’s Human Resources team, representatives from participating organizations, and a large number of students, graduates, and job seekers. Zain is keen to actively participate in the country’s major career fairs and provide continuous support to them in collaboration with academic and educational institutions from both public and private sectors. The company aims to attract national talents to the private sector and introduce the new generation of students and graduates to its leading experience in the telecom and technology industries.
Al-Gharabally with Zain’s Human Resources team.
At its dedicated booth, Zain showcased its employment policy and the job opportunities it offers. It also introduced university students to its internship program, Future University Network (FUN), which allows them to gain hands-on professional experience in the private sector. The 26th edition of the GUST career fair witnessed the participation of over 50 leading local and international employers from various sectors and industries, offering more than 2,500 job opportunities for graduates and job seekers.
The event also featured a series of insightful seminars and engaging workshops aimed at enhancing a wide range of life and professional skills. Through such initiatives, Zain aims to stimulate the local labor market, promote the exchange of professional experiences, and empower young people to access job opportunities that match their skills, capabilities, and ambitions, ultimately contributing to the national economy and boosting the integration of Kuwaiti talent into the private sector.
Workshop seeks to standardize expat medical exam procedures
Zain drives workforce empowerment | Kuwait Times Newspaper
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