Muscat: The Regional Workshop on Components of the GCC Environmental Performance Index, hosted by the GCC Statistical Centre, gathered a group of specialists and experts from GCC countries to discuss strengthening regional cooperation in environmental statistics. The workshop focused on exchanging best practices and developing national capacities for monitoring and analysing environmental indicators.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, President of the Environment Authority, described the workshop as an important milestone in environmental cooperation. It reflects the GCC countries' commitment to keeping pace with global environmental developments and building a unified measurement tool to evaluate environmental policies and practices. This tool will provide decision-makers with accurate indicators in line with national and regional priorities as well as international commitments.
He explained that the regional workshop allows for the exchange of expertise and strengthening of joint efforts to develop the GCC Environmental Performance Index. This index is a benchmarking tool that contributes to tracking the progress made on environmental issues and reflects the priorities and strategies of GCC countries in sustainability. Al Amri added that the Sultanate of Oman, through the Environment Authority, is keen to work with GCC countries to enhance environmental integration in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and its international commitment to protecting the environment and addressing climate change.
Intisar bint Abdullah Al Wahaibi, Director-General of the GCC Statistical Centre, mentioned that the regional workshop discusses the mechanism for preparing the GCC Environmental Performance Index. It is considered a strategic tool in measuring and analysing the level of environmental performance in GCC countries and comparing it at the regional and international levels, thereby supporting the development of data-driven environmental policies.
She added that attention to environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources becomes a necessity given the environmental and climate challenges facing the region, such as water scarcity, climate change, and air pollution. The GCC Environmental Performance Index enables the countries to evaluate their progress, identify priorities, and strengthen GCC joint action in environmental issues of common interest. This index is an opportunity to compare GCC environmental performance with international standards, highlighting the successes achieved and identifying areas for improvement, laying the essential groundwork needed for sustainable long-term planning.
Al Wahaibi highlighted that GCC countries have demonstrated significant progress. The Sultanate of Oman achieved a qualitative leap in the Global Environmental Performance Index, ranking second in the Middle East after leapfrogging more than 100 places in the last two years. The UAE topped regional rankings due to its efforts in air quality management and expanding green spaces. Qatar stood out through its policies to reduce water consumption and conserve natural resources. Kuwait continued its progress through initiatives to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
Saudi Arabia contributed to improving the index through its programmes to protect the marine environment, while Bahrain made important strides in waste management and expanding green areas. These results demonstrate the commitment of all GCC countries to enhancing their efforts towards environmental sustainability and achieving positive performance indicators. Al Wahaibi concluded that developing the GCC Environmental Performance Index will not be an end in itself but a means of strengthening national and regional environmental policies, integrating environmental considerations with economic and social development, and enhancing the global competitiveness of GCC countries by demonstrating their clear commitment to environmental protection.