During the 46th meeting of the deputy officials responsible for environmental affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Sultanate of Oman proposed the establishment of a "Gulf Center for Environmental Studies and Climate Change." This center is set to be based in Oman’s capital, Muscat, and will act as a central entity in promoting regional cooperation in environmental matters.
Details of Oman's Proposal
In this meeting, Oman presented a comprehensive study including technical and administrative details related to estimated costs, organizational structure, duties, and job titles. Additionally, the proposal included the formation of a scientific advisory committee chaired by Oman, with two representatives from each member country of the Council, one from a governmental body and the other an academic expert in environmental studies and climate change.
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This proposal was made concurrently with the review of the work program of the Committee of Ministers responsible for environmental affairs, which will continue until 2030. Updates related to the "Green Middle East" initiative and efforts to develop a Gulf environmental performance index were also highlighted.
Agreements and Future Plans
Participants in this meeting discussed issues related to biodiversity conservation and the development of wildlife frameworks. They also approved practical steps for updating the wildlife and natural habitat conservation agreement among the Council countries and endorsed the operational framework for the transfer of ownership of birds of prey. In this context, they adopted the slogan "Our Natural Environments are the Core of Diversity and Sustainability" as the official title for the Gulf Wildlife Day celebration in 2026.
These agreements are structured to enhance legal and operational integration among member countries to protect natural habitats and manage natural resources while adhering to the highest international standards.
Moreover, the meeting addressed ways to strengthen international cooperation and align Gulf perspectives in global negotiations, particularly in drafting a binding international document to combat pollution from plastic materials and marine pollution.
Participants also prepared for the eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly for the Environment and aligned positions during it, emphasizing the importance of proactive monitoring of international environmental issues and reviewing related proposals. Finally, topics related to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol were also discussed.
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