RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec 3: Samira Al-Kandari, the Director General of the Kuwaiti Environment Public Authority (EPA), stated on Monday that the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) serves as a vital global platform for unifying efforts and exchanging knowledge and innovative solutions aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Kandari emphasized that Kuwait's participation in COP16 reaffirms its commitment to supporting international efforts to address urgent environmental issues, including the challenges posed by drought and desertification.

She highlighted that Kuwait's involvement also emphasizes the nation's environmental projects and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and combating the effects of climate change. This includes reviewing the country’s efforts to fight desertification, address land degradation, and reduce dust storms.

Al-Kandari also stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between participating nations to implement innovative and sustainable solutions for desertification and land degradation. She noted that Kuwait is pursuing strategic initiatives such as afforestation projects, improved water and energy management, and biodiversity preservation.

She pointed out that Kuwait's environmental vision aligns with major regional and international initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. These collaborations reflect Kuwait's dedication to enhancing its role in achieving environmental sustainability both regionally and globally.

Al-Kandari urged the conference to focus on developing practical solutions that will help mitigate global environmental challenges and enhance the resilience of societies in the face of growing climate change and drought impacts.

Kuwait's delegation to COP16 includes representatives from the Environment Public Authority, the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, the Kuwait Oil Company, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait University, and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

The conference, which will run until December 13, aims to accelerate global efforts to address the challenges of drought and desertification and provide proactive solutions to these issues, which are a global crisis affecting millions of people worldwide.