Türkiye Embassy, UN-Habitat, GCC plant seeds of friendship at Kuwait–Türkiye Garden
UN-Habitat Kuwait and GCC and the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in the State of Kuwait launched the greening works of the Kuwait–Türkiye Friendship Garden by planting its first tree, marking a symbolic milestone that reflects the strong relations between Kuwait and Türkiye and highlights the importance of international cooperation and community engagement in addressing the impacts of climate change and advancing sustainable urban development.
In a joint statement, the two sides said the initiative aims to support the greening of public open spaces, promote a culture of volunteerism and engage local communities in improving the urban environment, while encouraging the reuse of resources and recycled materials to reduce waste and advance circular economy principles.
They stressed that addressing the impacts of climate change requires coordinated action at the international, national and community levels, noting that cities and local communities are at the forefront of climate action. The participation of residents, volunteers and particularly young people in greening activities can foster a long-term culture of shared responsibility for the environment and public spaces.
The initiative is aligned with the mandate of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) to advance sustainable urban development and promote inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements, including the development and improvement of green and public open spaces, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the State of Kuwait H.E. Tuba Nur Sönmez said, “The tree we plant today carries a meaning that goes beyond its environmental value. It is a living symbol of the longstanding friendship between Kuwait and Türkiye and reflects our belief that cooperation between countries and peoples can be translated into practical initiatives that create a sustainable legacy for future generations.”
Ambassador Sönmez highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to environmental protection and responsible resource management, referring to the country’s Zero Waste initiative, which promotes waste prevention, reuse and recycling while encouraging sustainability as a community-wide practice.
She also drew attention to COP31, the upcoming 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, scheduled to take place at the Expo Center in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026.
“COP31 builds on Türkiye’s tradition of dialogue and diplomacy. In a fragmented world, climate action requires trust, fairness and implementation,” Sönmez said.
She stressed that climate challenges transcend national borders, making international dialogue, cooperation and partnerships among governments, international organizations and local communities essential to achieving tangible and sustainable results.
Head of UN-Habitat Kuwait and GCC Office Dr. Ameera Al-Hassan said, “Greening public spaces is not simply about planting trees; it is an investment in quality of life and in the capacity of cities and communities to adapt to environmental and climate challenges.”
Al-Hassan stressed the importance of community participation and volunteerism, adding, “A sustainable city is not built only for its community; it is built with its community. When residents, young people and volunteers participate in greening a public space, they become partners in protecting and sustaining it.”
She added that the project also seeks to integrate recycled and reusable resources wherever feasible, linking urban greening with circular economy principles and more efficient use of resources.
Both sides said the planting of the first tree marks the beginning of the garden’s greening works and expressed hope that the Kuwait–Türkiye Friendship Garden would become a model of international cooperation, volunteerism and community participation, with the first tree growing as an enduring symbol of friendship between the Kuwaiti and Turkish peoples.
