Kuwait City: Oil Minister Tareq Al-Roumi affirmed on Monday that the First Forum and Exhibition of Environmental Engineers was a pioneering event that reflected Kuwait's interest in environmental sciences and their pivotal role in shaping the future. This statement came during his inauguration of the First Forum and Exhibition of Kuwaiti Environmental Engineers, organized by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society under the patronage of His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and continuing until tomorrow, Tuesday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Roumi, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Prime Minister, emphasized that His Highness's patronage of this forum highlights the wise leadership's interest in the environmental field, especially amid global transformations and aligning with international efforts. He noted that the oil sector, in collaboration with the Environment Public Authority and other institutions, is working on projects aimed at greening, such as planting mangrove trees in the Jahra Reserve to build a sustainable economy.
Al-Roumi explained that the oil sector has significantly reduced gas flaring operations, cutting emissions from 17.2 percent in 2005-2006 to 0.51 percent, demonstrating a practical commitment to environmental sustainability. He highlighted the sector's responsibility to reduce emissions and adopt best practices and modern technologies to minimize environmental impact, achieving both environmental and economic sustainability.
He also mentioned the sector's strategy for energy transition by 2050 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality in Kuwait by 2060. Al-Roumi emphasized the sector's interest in clean and alternative energy, evident in local initiatives and partnerships with international companies to produce biofuels and foster innovation in sustainable energy.
Dr. Wijdan Al-Oqab, head of Kuwait Environment Protection Society and the forum's Supreme Organizing Committee, stated that the Society has a long history of contributions and a non-traditional approach to environmental activities. This approach is reflected in programs and initiatives that engage the community and encourage high school students to pursue environmental science and engineering studies, aligning with global and national sustainable development plans.
Dr. Al-Oqab highlighted the Society's pioneering role in organizing the first Forum and Exhibition for Kuwaiti Environmental Engineers and celebrating the increasing number of students pursuing environmental engineering. Engineer Sara Al-Ramzi, Chairwoman of the Kuwaiti Environmental Engineers Team, noted the forum's role in supporting national talents and incentivizing environmental engineers to excel and innovate in various sectors.
Al-Ramzi added that the forum emphasizes the importance of qualified professionals in environmental engineering and their contributions to sustainable development, offering opportunities for engineers to display projects in an annual public exhibition. The team's Vice President, Engineer Yousef Al-Ramzi, affirmed the forum provides a platform for engineers to present innovations and improve market recognition, opening job opportunities and promoting sustainable practices.
He announced the launch of the Environmental Engineers Platform, enabling emerging engineers to exchange knowledge and inspire students to pursue the field. The forum includes five scientific sessions with 25 lectures by experts and an exhibition with 21 booths from participating entities.