Cairo: The State of Qatar participated in the Arab Sustainability Day celebration, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League in Cairo, under the theme “Raising Awareness of the Importance of Sustainability in the Arab Region.” Representing Qatar at the event was Second Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Delegation to the Arab League Saad Mohammed Al Qaroon. The celebration was attended by senior officials responsible for environmental and sustainable development affairs, representatives of regional and international organizations, and experts interested in environmental and sustainability topics.
According to Qatar News Agency, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit emphasized that the celebration of Arab Sustainability Day reflects a firm commitment to achieving sustainable development goals across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, recognizing them as the most effective path toward ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the Arab world. Aboul Gheit described the Arab Sustainability Day as a call for perseverance and a testament to the ongoing collective Arab efforts to foster excellence, creativity, and innovative thinking.
He noted that this year’s theme underscores the realization that sustainability cannot be achieved solely through policies and projects; it requires comprehensive societal awareness and a deeply ingrained culture that influences individual and community behavior. The 2024 celebration holds special significance, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Arab League’s establishment, an institution that has embodied the aspirations of Arab nations for unity, cooperation, and joint action across various fields, including sustainable development, over the decades.
Aboul Gheit expressed profound sorrow over the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, stating that the Arab League stands today with heavy hearts witnessing the horrific tragedy unfolding for the people of Gaza. The continuous aggression, massive destruction, and loss of thousands of lives cannot be ignored. What is happening in Gaza is a stain on the conscience of humanity, where justice and peace, both prerequisites for sustainable development, are absent. He affirmed that he will continue to support the Palestinian people with unwavering strength in every arena and will not falter in urging the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities, act immediately to halt the aggression, lift the blockade, and grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights, foremost among them their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state.
Aboul Gheit stressed that armed conflicts and internal disputes continue to burden Arab nations, draining resources and impeding development progress. He reaffirmed that sustainable development should not be exclusive to specific nations, it is imperative to ensure that no one is left behind.