Kuwait strengthens environmental cooperation with China and the UN

Wednesday 06 August 2025 - 17:15

Kuwait is accelerating its environmental transformation through strategic international partnerships and sustainable policies. Guided by Vision 2035 and the leadership of Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the country has launched key initiatives to support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

One of Kuwait’s most significant moves has been deepening cooperation with China in areas such as low-carbon technologies, renewable energy, waste recycling, and wastewater infrastructure. These efforts were reinforced by the launch of Kuwait’s 2050 Low-Carbon Strategy, supported by the United Nations. With this plan, Kuwait became the second Gulf country to submit a national decarbonization strategy under the UNFCCC framework.

The Environmental Public Authority (EPA) has taken the lead by implementing four strategic projects focused on waste management, desertification prevention, and sustainable development. Last year, Kuwait released its first-ever State of the Environment report, in collaboration with the UN, covering vital areas such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.

The country has also updated its environmental laws to protect air quality, monitor pollution sources, and impose stricter penalties on ecological violations. Sustainable urban development is advancing through the 2040 Master Plan, which promotes green architecture and improved quality of life.

At the recent Sustainable Energy Conference, the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy reaffirmed Kuwait's target of generating 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2025. Projects like the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park are central to this goal, along with new mandates requiring industries to source at least 10% of their power from green energy.

Greening campaigns have also taken root, led by the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources, focusing on planting trees and vegetation along borders and public areas to combat desertification and reduce pollution.

UN officials have praised Kuwait’s proactive stance. Sami Dimassi, UNEP Regional Director for West Asia, highlighted the country’s efforts in environmental diplomacy, while UN Resident Coordinator Ghada Al-Taher applauded Kuwait’s actions in tackling desertification, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity.