Yemen chairs the 37th session of the Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment Council.

Yemen Chairs the 37th Meeting of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment

The Republic of Yemen chaired the 37th session of the Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment, held at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt.

Welcoming Remarks and Acknowledgments

The session’s president, Minister of Water and Environment Engineer Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, welcomed the ministers and heads of delegations from participating Arab countries. He expressed gratitude on behalf of Yemen to the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the session and for its excellent organization. He also thanked the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for its efforts during its presidency of the previous council session, appreciating the work of the Arab League’s General Secretariat, the council’s technical secretariat, and the environmental technical committee in preparing for the session and following up on the implementation of the council’s decisions.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

Al-Sharjabi emphasized that the session occurs amid increasing environmental and developmental challenges facing the Arab region. Key issues include water scarcity, drought, desertification, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and rising pollution levels. Additionally, he highlighted the growing impacts of climate change and its effects on water and food security, development, and community stability.

The Importance of Environmental Integration

He pointed out that environmental issues have evolved beyond being a separate sector; they now represent a fundamental element of national security, community stability, and future development. Al-Sharjabi stressed the need to enhance Arab coordination and formulate more effective and integrated positions in international forums, reflecting the priorities and unique developmental circumstances of Arab nations.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Al-Sharjabi underscored the importance of linking water, agriculture, and the environment as an integrated system. He encouraged leveraging current environmental transformations through circular economy practices, blue economy initiatives, and nature-based solutions. These efforts aim to promote the sustainable use of resources, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable development.

Transitioning from Decisions to Action

In concluding his remarks, Al-Sharjabi highlighted the necessity of moving from consensus to action, from decisions to implementation. He called for strengthening follow-up mechanisms, sharing experiences, and fostering partnerships to translate the council’s outcomes into actionable policies, programs, and projects, thereby enhancing Arab representation in international environmental forums.

Agenda and Discussions

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the adoption of the agenda, reviewing and approving reports and decisions, and discussing environmental and climate issues of common Arab interest. The session also featured the distribution of the Environmental Excellence Award and speeches from ministers and heads of delegations regarding the main environmental challenges and ways to enhance joint Arab environmental efforts.

Addressing Humanitarian and Environmental Issues

The meeting also touched on various environmental and humanitarian issues in the Arab region. Participants emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to assess environmental damage, strengthen institutional capacities, and mobilize necessary support for recovery and rehabilitation in countries affected by conflicts, disasters, displacement, and environmental degradation.

Session Format

The session began with a closed consultative meeting for ministers and heads of delegations, followed by an opening session that included representatives from the Arab League’s General Secretariat and several regional and international organizations concerned with the environment and sustainable development.

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