The Second Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers

Source: Arab News

Manal Quota, Arab News

JEDDAH, 15 December 2006 — The Second Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers drew up a twelve-point plan and decided to establish an environment institution and an Islamic media information network specialized in the environment.

The conference approved the setting up of the Executive Islamic Environment Office and the Islamic Network for the Environment. It also approved a program to cope with natural disasters.

The proposed environment institution would deal with political strategies and frame policies for the protection of environment. The office would also be responsible for following up on activities, initiatives and decisions approved by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IESCO). During the conference, it was agreed that Prince Turki ibn Nasser, the chief of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, would head this institution.

The delegates at the conference agreed on creating the Islamic Network for the Environment to exchange data and information among Islamic states and to act as an umbrella for all environmental organizations.

The network would provide material support for exchanging information, sharing ideas and managing pilot projects. It would also help raise awareness about environmental issues. It was decided that in order to ensure the smooth functioning of this network, member countries and regional and national institutions should provide financial support.

IESCO Director Abdul Aziz Othman Altwaijri presented the framework for the so-called Prevention from Danger of Natural Disasters Program. The program entails a five-year working plan. The goal of this program is to prepare a strategy to decrease the risk of exposure to natural and manmade disasters in the Islamic world. The program also aims at finding the right mechanism to strengthen cooperation between the member countries in the Organization of the Islamic Conference and other regional and international committees.

The conference drew up a 12-point plan. It decided to prepare a joint Islamic strategy for sustainable development; strengthen the efforts for peace and security and create awareness about their role in strengthening sustainable development; fight illiteracy, poverty, unemployment and improve the living standards in Islamic nations; improve the standards of health services in general; develop educational services and support the potential in the fields of education and transfer of technology; support the participation of women and youth in civil society to ensure sustainable growth; expand the democratic base and participate in decision-making; preserve water resources and rationalize their consumption; preserve the soil, land, and biological diversity; keep a close watch on any environmental changes; encourage the sustainable production and consumption; and update the related legislations accordingly.