Kuwait affirms commitment to innovation
In a speech delivered on behalf of His Highness, Minister Al-Roumi said the premier's patronage of the event underscores the leadership's commitment to supporting environmental initiatives, particularly in light of accelerating global environmental challenges. Al-Roumi noted that the oil sector is working closely with the Environment Public Authority and civil society institutions to implement green projects, including mangrove planting in the Jahra Reserve, as part of broader efforts to build a sustainable, eco-friendly economy.
Minister of Oil in the pavilion of Engineer Yousef Al-Ramzi.
Minister of Oil in the pavilion of Engineer Sarah Al-Ramzi
He highlighted significant progress in reducing gas flaring within the oil sector, stating that flaring rates were cut from 17.2 percent in 2005-06 to just 0.51 percent. He added that the sector continues to adopt best practices and advanced technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact while balancing economic and environmental sustainability. Al-Roumi further emphasized that the sector is working toward a comprehensive energy transition strategy by 2050, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. He pointed to Kuwait's growing interest in clean and alternative energy, referencing strategic partnerships with international firms in the production of biofuels as part of the country's efforts to diversify its energy sources.
For her part, Dr. Wijdan Al-Oqab, KEPS President and Chair of the Forum's Supreme Organizing Committee, noted the Society's longstanding contributions to environmental advocacy and its innovative approach to community engagement. She said KEPS has, for over a decade, encouraged high school students to pursue academic paths in environmental sciences and engineering, recognizing the essential link between environmental research and national development goals.
Al-Oqab emphasized that the Society's initiative in launching the first forum of its kind reflects its pioneering role in the environmental field, noting a steady increase in student interest in environmental engineering, a milestone being celebrated during the forum. Engineer Sara Al-Ramzi, Chairwoman and Founder of the Kuwaiti Environmental Engineers Team, said the Prime Minister's support sends a strong message of encouragement to national talent, especially those in environmental specializations. She added that the forum provides a vital platform for environmental engineers to showcase their work and contribute meaningfully to the country's sustainability goals.
Vice President and official spokesperson of the team, Engineer Yousef Al-Ramzi, affirmed that the forum plays an important role in elevating the status of environmental engineers, opening up new job prospects and promoting sustainable practices across the public and private sectors. He announced the launch of the Environmental Engineers Platform to further support knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation in the field. The forum features five scientific sessions and includes 25 expert-led lectures in addition to an exhibition of 21 booths representing various participating organizations. — KUNA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
9 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait explores use of Bayraktar TB2 drones for environmental monitoring
Newly-acquired drones to support surveillance of borders, critical infrastructure KUWAIT: Kuwait is moving to integrate its newly acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones into environmental surveillance and civilian operations, according to a statement by the General Staff of the Army following a high-level coordination meeting held Sunday. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, gathered senior military officials and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality, and the Environment Public Authority, alongside other civil and security agencies. Discussions focused on how to organize reconnaissance flights and enhance the use of drone-generated data across state institutions, 'in support of observation and follow-up efforts' and to 'enhance the state's capabilities in addressing security and environmental changes,' the statement said. The meeting also reviewed the technical systems onboard the Bayraktar drone and explored its applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and the protection of vital infrastructure and borders. Lt Gen Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of using the drone beyond military settings. 'The utilization of the Bayraktar drone's capabilities is not limited to the military side only but extends to include many civilian sectors of the state,' he said. He called for greater coordination between military and civilian entities to maximize the benefits of this advanced aerial system. He described the drone as 'a qualitative leap in capabilities for monitoring, environmental surveillance, and the protection of facilities and borders,' and underscored the responsibility to invest and deploy the system effectively. The Bayraktar TB2 is capable of flying non-stop for 24 hours, carrying up to 650 kilograms. In 2019, it completed a test flight in Kuwait that lasted 27 hours and 3 minutes, despite high temperatures, strong winds, and sandstorms. The coordination meeting follows the arrival of Kuwait's first Bayraktar drones earlier this month, after a $367 million purchase agreement was signed with Turkish defense company Baykar in January 2023. Kuwait became the 28th country to acquire the TB2, a drone that has been used in conflict zones including Ukraine, Libya, and Azerbaijan. Kuwait has also been training personnel for drone operations, with the first batch of TB2 operators graduating in Turkey in July 2024, and a second group earlier this year. While Kuwait's discussions mark an early step in integrating drones into environmental oversight, drones have increasingly been used for that purpose in recent years. In Pakistan's Punjab province, officials launched a drone-linked environmental monitoring system in September 2024 to track factory emissions and enforce environmental laws. In the Arctic, high-speed drones were tested earlier this year to assess the rate of glacier retreat in Greenland. Research also points to the use of drones at landfills to detect methane emissions with high spatial and temporal precision, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional monitoring methods. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
17 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
KFAED inaugurates Velana int'l airport expansion in Maldives
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) on Sunday inaugurated the expansion and enhancement project of Velana International Airport in the Maldivian capital, Male, as part of a joint Arab development initiative. The ceremony was held in the presence of Maldivian President Mohammad Muizzu, Acting Director General of KFAED Waleed Al-Bahar, several government officials, and representatives from the Arab Coordination Group. In a statement issued by KFAED, the Maldivian President expressed deep appreciation for the generous financial contributions provided by KFAED, the Saudi Fund for Development, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and OPEC Fund for International Development. He noted that the soft loans from these institutions enabled the construction of a modern passenger terminal, supporting the country's infrastructure goals and boosting its vital tourism sector. President Muizzu hailed the project as a model of joint development and cooperation, stating the new airport facilities will enhance passenger experience, boost the Maldivian economy, and support the nation's rapidly growing tourism industry. For his part, Al-Bahar stated that KFAED's total contribution to the airport's expansion amounted to KD 37.62 million (USD 123 million).He noted that the expanded airport is expected to serve around 7.3 million passengers annually, helping to stimulate tourism, enhance trade, and open new economic opportunities aligned with sustainable development. Al-Bahar highlighted that the partnership between Kuwait and the Maldives dates back to 1976, when KFAED provided its first soft loan of USD five million to support the development of the airport, then known as Hulhule Airport. Since then, KFAED has extended 15 loans totaling KD 61.1 million (USD 199.8 million) to finance development projects in key sectors, including water and sanitation, transport, healthcare, disaster recovery, coastal protection, and fisheries. He reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to supporting the Maldives' development journey and expressed optimism for exploring new areas of cooperation in the coming years. Al-Bahar also praised the ongoing partnership between KFAED and the Arab Coordination Group in financing transformative projects that leave a lasting impact on communities. The Fund has also provided the Maldives with technical assistance worth KD 1.3 million (USD 4.2 million) and a grant of KD 583,000 (USD 1.9 million) from Kuwait's 'Decent Life Fund for Islamic Countries' to support food security and improve living standards— KUNA
Kuwait Times
17 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
KUNA Acting Director visits Huawei, urges digital tech for media advancement
(KUNA) Acting Director General Mohammad Al-Mannai, Acting Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Al-Bahar and Director of Marketing and Public Relations Lamia Al-Farsi in Huawei headquarters. — KUNA SHENZHEN, China: Acting Director General of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Mohammad Al-Mannai, visited Sunday the headquarters of Chinese tech giant Huawei in Shenzhen during his official trip to China. The visit aligns with KUNA's efforts to integrate digital solutions and adopt new technologies to enhance media content production. During the visit, Al-Mannai met with Huawei's Deputy CEO for the Northern Gulf Dai Xing, to explore cooperation in digital infrastructure, media tools, and training programs aimed at enhancing KUNA's editorial and technical team capabilities. (KUNA) Acting Director General, Acting Editor-in-Chief and Director of Marketing and Public Relations visit Huawei headquarters. — KUNA Scene from (KUNA) delegation visit to Huawei headquarters.— KUNS Al-Mannai emphasized the importance of collaborating with leading tech companies like Huawei to boost media capabilities through digital innovation, highlighting the urgent need to adopt advanced digital technologies that are transforming data analysis and audience engagement. Al-Mannai and his delegation toured Huawei's exhibitions, and Research, and Development (R&D) Center, where they were introduced to the latest innovations in automation and digital media solutions. The visit was held on the sidelines of KUNA's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Forum, held in Zhengzhou, China. The delegation includes Acting Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Al-Bahar and Director of Marketing and Public Relations Lamia Al-Farsi.— KUNA
