The Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection called for strengthening the concept of “restoring natural systems” through reimagining, reconstructing, and supporting the concepts and values of those efforts aimed at fortifying and protecting these environmentally sensitive natural systems and their habitats.
Dr. Wajdan Al-Aqab, President of the Association, during her participation in the “World Environment Day” celebration organized virtually by the Emirates Environmental Friends Association under the patronage of Her Excellency Asma Mana Al-Otaiba, stressed “the importance of strengthening the capabilities of civil society and encouraging the establishment of public benefit associations in the Arabian Gulf, as the influence of civil society increases with belief in its capabilities,” adding, “From this platform that brings us together, I can confirm with complete confidence that 5 decades, which is the age of the Kuwaiti Association for Environmental Protection, has granted the Association an international credential in addition to the regional dimension, as international organizations, forums and committees bear witness to that.”.
The head of the Environmental Protection Association pointed out that the World Environment Day celebration, organized by the Friends of the Environment Association in Abu Dhabi, headed by Dr. Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, witnessed multiple events and participations that began with a speech by the patron of the ceremony, Her Excellency Asma Mana Al Otaiba, followed by speeches from several entities, including Saud Abdul Aziz Al Zaidi, Head of Programs Department - Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and an awareness speech by Engineer Duaa Hamdi Sorour, Director of Environment, Health and Safety Management for the Middle East, Mediclinic Hospitals Group - Middle East.
The organizer added, “The event showcased the participation of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (Environmental Materials in Artworks Competition), in addition to the opening of an exhibition of environmental materials in artworks, and the participation of Yas Academy Private School. In conclusion, the competition was launched and the draws were conducted.”.
Dr. Al-Aqab explained to 600 participants in the celebration held via Zoom entitled “Restoring Natural Systems”: “This large gathering from all age groups and segments of society warms our hearts, and this is evidence of the role of civil society institutions in raising the level of environmental awareness. If it were not for the success of civil society tools and public benefit associations, this distinguished gathering would not have taken place. NGOs have a tremendous activity in which the high sense of responsibility prevails over apathy and selfishness. We see those who carry out their tasks exhibiting the characteristics of sacrificing time, money, and effort, and altruism for the public good.” She added, “Even with the difficulty of gatherings during the pandemic, these volunteer works did not stop, and continued by utilizing technology in this way. Although exhibitions previously gathered in one location, technology helped us to enter homes and learn about the creativity of our children.”.
She noted that “the association heads the Gulf Network of Civil Environmental Associations, which was established in 2000 and is supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs in the State of Kuwait. Through this civil gathering, we call upon all Gulf associations to join the network and expand its activities in the Gulf, and to promote the exchange of experiences and projects that benefit our interconnected Gulf society. We cannot but express our respect to our leaders in the Gulf Cooperation Council for their vision of the strength of civil society and their encouragement, through ministerial meetings and successive sessions, to establish civil institutions capable of supporting government work for the benefit of the Gulf and its people.”.
Dr. Wajdan Al-Aqab pointed out that the Gulf Network of Environmental NGOs, whose executive office is headed by the Kuwaiti Environment Society, has many and varied works and achievements, including documenting Gulf successes. “We call upon His Excellency Dr. Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, President of the Friends of the Environment Society in Abu Dhabi, to provide us with all the data on the winners of the competition, which is subject to documentation in the Environment Magazine issued by the Society, which has been published for forty years.”.
