KUWAIT: The Technical Office Committee of the Supreme Courts and Courts of Cassation in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states convened its sixth meeting in Kuwait on Wednesday, under Kuwait’s chairmanship. According to a statement published by the Ministry of Justice on Thursday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, and Head of the Technical Office in Kuwait, Counselor Owaid Al-Thuwaimer.

The committee reviewed several key agenda items, including a memorandum from the GCC General Secretariat concerning the electronic Gulf Judicial Magazine. Discussions also covered draft regulations for the magazine, submitted by Kuwait, which were reviewed, amended and approved by the member states.

Technical Office Committee of the Supreme Courts and Courts of Cassation in the Gulf Cooperation Council States holds its sixth meeting.- KUNA photos

The committee further discussed a memorandum on organizing an annual judicial conference to exchange experiences and explore emerging judicial systems within the region. Another memorandum addressed the proposed publication of a book highlighting notable rulings and legal principles issued by the Supreme and Cassation Courts in GCC countries. In preparation for the 11th regular meeting of the heads of Supreme and Cassation Courts in the GCC, three topics were proposed for the 2026 annual conference. One of these will be selected during the upcoming session. — KUNA

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

BAKU: Kuwait’s Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) chaired a pivotal working session during the sixth meeting of the Global Anti-Corruption Enforcement Authorities Network (GLOBE-Eye), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with broad international participation, Nazaha announced in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday. The session, titled “Enhancing Cooperation: The Role of GLOBE-Eye Focal Points”, was moderated by Dhari Buyabes, Observer of International Organizations and Conferences at Nazaha’s International Cooperation Department. Discussions centered on operational strategies to activate the role of focal points as essential conduits between member states and the network’s General Secretariat.

Nazaha noted that the session also addressed key challenges facing focal points and underscored the need for capacity-building tools, including training programs and practical guidance materials, to bolster coordination and efficiency. Delegates exchanged expertise and tabled proposals to develop sustainable cooperation mechanisms within the network. In remarks to KUNA, Buyabes affirmed that Nazaha was among the first institutions to join GLOBE-Eye and has been actively involved since its inception — from its founding meetings and technical committees to contributing to the drafting of its charter — reflecting Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to international anti-corruption efforts.

Jude Al-Hajri, Senior Professional at Nazaha’s International Cooperation Department, highlighted during her intervention the importance of equipping liaison officers with additional resources, such as explanatory guidelines and visual tools, to address recurring operational scenarios. She further proposed the establishment of online platforms to facilitate the exchange of queries and ideas, thereby streamlining communication and expediting the orientation of new officers. Al-Hajri noted that Kuwait’s participation in the forum aligns with Nazaha’s strategy to showcase national achievements on the global stage and reaffirm its dedication to implementing leading international standards in governance and transparency.

The Kuwaiti delegation to the meeting is headed by Nazaha Vice Chairman Counselor Nawaf Al-Muhamel, accompanied by Minister Plenipotentiary Mahdi Al-Ajmi of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with several experts from Nazaha’s International Cooperation Department. Throughout the meetings, Nazaha reiterated Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to reinforcing global cooperation in combating corruption — particularly in addressing transnational crimes — as part of its institutional framework rooted in transparency and accountability.

The GLOBE-Eye meetings, which continue until Friday, focus on enhancing coordination in the fight against cross-border corruption in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nazaha remains a founding member of the network, which was launched by the UN in 2021, and plays a prominent role within its technical teams, reinforcing Kuwait’s active contribution to international anti-corruption initiatives and safeguarding the integrity of the global economy. — KUNA