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Officials emphasize child protection in the digital age
MANAMA: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to develop robust preventive mechanisms to shield children from the risks of the digital world, calling it a “top priority” for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. His remarks came during the opening of a high-level dialogue session in Manama on child protection in the digital era, jointly organised by the Executive Office of the GCC Labor Ministers Council and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Dr Al-Ajmi warned that cyberspace presents a growing challenge to society at large, and to children in particular. He stressed the importance of holding such dialogue sessions to exchange expertise and best practices among Gulf countries, while identifying online threats that could endanger children’s safety, behavior and mental wellbeing. “These sessions are crucial for shaping joint action that safeguards future generations,” he said, adding that fostering awareness and resilience among children is key to building stronger societies.
Participants are pictured during the event. – KUNA photos
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the event, Dr Al-Ajmi noted that Kuwait’s participation reflects its current chairmanship of the GCC Council of Ministers of Social Affairs. He highlighted the need for intensified cooperation and shared strategies among Gulf states to address the accelerating pace of digital transformation and its impact on youth. “The swift evolution of technology demands collective efforts and unified visions to ensure children’s safety in the digital realm,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and public education initiatives that outline both the benefits and risks of digitization—particularly among children.
Dr Al-Ajmi expressed hope that the dialogue would yield practical recommendations to be reviewed by the Executive Office in coordination with GCC ministries, contributing to future strategies in the field of child protection. He further noted that Kuwait remains committed to reviewing and applying successful regional practices. The Ministry of Social Affairs, he said, continues to prioritize childhood development through various dedicated centers and clubs, offering programs that protect children from external risks and cultivate their talents.
Also speaking during the session, Director General of the Executive Office of the GCC Labor Ministers Council, Mohammed Al-Obaidli, affirmed that protecting children from digital risks is a core element of social development and essential for fostering balanced societies. “Digital transformation has touched every household, every family, and every child,” Al-Obaidli said. “While we embrace the advancements it brings, we must remain alert to the social challenges it poses—especially to our youngest and most vulnerable.”
He called for a proactive approach that not only protects children but equips them to navigate the digital world safely within a nurturing family and community environment. He added that regional cooperation provides a vital opportunity to develop integrated and sustainable social policies that support children’s holistic development.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Nassar, delegate of the GCC Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, highlighted the progress achieved by Gulf countries in the field of child protection, including legislative advances and international cooperation. He stressed that safeguarding children in digital spaces is a strategic imperative, calling for enhanced global partnerships and technical assistance for countries facing such challenges. Al-Nassar also praised the diverse experiences of GCC states as valuable models that could inform regional and global initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection in cyberspace. — KUNA
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
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GCC Supreme Courts’ Technical Committee holds sixth meeting
Biodiversity protection a shared responsibility for sustainability: EPA
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