UN-Habitat, Türkiye Embassy lead green initiative to boost environmental awareness among children in Kuwait
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Office in Kuwait and the GCC, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in the State of Kuwait, organized an environmental and awareness event at Al-Shamiya Nature Reserve with the participation of children from the Turkish community, in partnership with the Volunteer Development Team affiliated with the Kuwait Voluntary Work Center under the leadership of Adeeba Al-Fahad.
The event aimed to promote environmental sustainability concepts and raise awareness among children and young generations about recycling and environmental protection through a series of interactive and field-based activities combining environmental education, community engagement, and tree planting.
Activities included recycling workshops and the planting of the Arfaj plant, the national plant of the State of Kuwait, in addition to planting Leucaena trees, which have demonstrated strong adaptability and effectiveness within Kuwait’s environmental conditions.
Speaking to KUNA, Head of the UN-Habitat Office in Kuwait and the GCC Dr. Ameera Al-Hassan stressed that such activities play an important role in building environmental awareness among children and strengthening their understanding of sustainability, conservation of natural resources, and environmental responsibility.
Dr. Al-Hassan noted that engaging children and families in environmental and community initiatives aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 related to Sustainable Cities and Communities, emphasizing that environmental responsibility has become a shared societal duty requiring participation from all sectors of society.
She added that UN-Habitat, through its local and international partnerships, remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, community awareness, and the expansion of green spaces in Kuwait due to their positive impact on quality of life and urban environments.
For her part, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the State of Kuwait Tuba Nur Sönmez said in a similar statement to KUNA that the event comes in parallel with Türkiye’s national “Zero Waste” initiative, which is sponsored and promoted internationally by First Lady of Türkiye Emine Erdoğan.
She explained that the initiative aims to encourage recycling, reduce waste, and preserve natural resources through raising environmental awareness among individuals and institutions, affirming that children represent the foundation for building a more sustainable future.
The Turkish Ambassador also praised the cooperation between UN-Habitat, civil society institutions, and volunteer groups in Kuwait, describing it as a reflection of the deep-rooted relations between the two friendly countries and their shared commitment to supporting environmental and humanitarian initiatives.
The event witnessed the participation of volunteers, families, and children who engaged in environmental and educational activities in an atmosphere aimed at strengthening environmental values, protecting green spaces, and encouraging positive environmental behavior within society.
