Saudi Arabia advocates for stronger environmental cooperation at GCC meeting
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Saudi Arabia has stressed the importance of regional and international collaboration to address pressing environmental issues, particularly in rehabilitating degraded lands and improving resilience to drought. Deputy Minister of Environment Mansour Al-Mushaiti highlighted these concerns during the 26th GCC meeting on environmental affairs held in Qatar, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Mushaiti urged GCC member states to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and establish national goals for tree planting and land rehabilitation. He also called for greater support from GCC national development funds to enhance vegetation projects across the region.
The deputy minister emphasized that the regular GCC meetings have played a key role in advancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainable development. He highlighted the critical need to address environmental protection, climate change and the balance between development and resource preservation.
Looking ahead, Al-Mushaiti expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 in December, hoping it would significantly contribute to global efforts in combating land degradation and drought. He called for active participation from all GCC countries, international organizations, the private sector and civil society to ensure meaningful outcomes.