Dr. Wajdan Al-Aqab, President of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, affirmed that the Society “joins the nation in celebrating the Arfaj flower as a national symbol, a symbol around which all segments of society rally, demonstrating their unity under the banner of the State of Kuwait and reinforcing the values of citizenship and patriotism.” Dr. Al-Aqab explained that “the Arfaj flower campaign is a national symbol that aligns with World Earth Day, transforming this national flower into a symbol of resilience. It has garnered support from all sectors of society, in addition to the private sector's creative contributions in crafting this symbol, each according to their respective field of business.”.
In this context, and based on the archives of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society in the ninth issue of the Environment Magazine (December 1982), it was noted that “the date of choosing the Arfaj flower as the national flower of the State of Kuwait goes back to the “National Flower Committee” that was formed in 1982 in the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, which confirmed the selection of the Arfaj flower to be a national emblem for the State of Kuwait and then recommended informing the Council for Environmental Protection of the results of the study prepared on the national flower.”.
She stated that “Earth Day is an effective way to contribute positively to protecting our planet. Participating in local clean-up campaigns, planting trees, reducing the carbon footprint, and advocating for fundamental changes in environmental policies all make a tangible difference,” as it contributes to raising awareness and encourages action to protect our planet and its natural resources.
It also provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide to come together and discuss the urgent need to address the global environmental crisis we face, such as climate change, air and water pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. She added, ”While Earth Day 2026 focuses on combating plastic pollution and striving for impactful changes at both the local and international levels, including supporting initiatives like the proposed UN treaty on plastic pollution, we are focusing on the resilience of our desert plants to this type of pollution and the even more dangerous pollution of oil pollution, which the desert sedge (Arfaj) and other native plants in our desert have overcome over the years.“.
She emphasized that “the Arfaj flower has transformed from a mere desert plant into a symbol of national resilience, especially in light of the regional circumstances and challenges facing the region. It also carries a profound significance for the ability of Kuwait and its people to overcome crises, just as this plant overcame the effects of major environmental challenges, including the repercussions of the oil well fires in 1991, where desert plants, including Arfaj, contributed to the gradual restoration of ecological balance.”.
Hence, the Arfaj badge came as a message of thanks and appreciation to the frontline workers who stand firm to protect the homeland, embodying the meaning of sacrifice and resilience.” She added: “The most prominent aspect, however, is the broad community interaction with this badge, as Kuwait witnessed an exceptional state of solidarity that we hope to see in all environmental issues, represented by the eagerness of individuals to acquire and wear the Arfaj badge as a unifying national symbol.”.
Initially, printing presses and volunteer organizations took the initiative to produce and distribute the badge free of charge, believing in its role in boosting morale and fostering a sense of unity. This wasn't limited to them; the private sector also showed remarkable engagement, with many companies and brands re-presenting the badge in innovative ways that aligned with their products.
Al-Aqab noted that “the association’s teams, committees, and administrative and specialized staff are joining the world in celebrating this symbolic global event,” adding that “the association’s youth, through its Environmental Engineers, Youth Environmentalists, and Friends of the Environment teams, are actively participating and leading the awareness campaigns for Earth Day.” Dr. Al-Aqab explained that “the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, as it joins the world and all its international environmental bodies and organizations in celebrating Earth Day this Wednesday, sends a global message that the people of Kuwait stand united with their wise leadership under His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and the wise government, in the face of treacherous Iranian aggression.”.
