CAIRO: Kuwaiti engineers emphasized on Sunday the importance of innovation in urban technologies and the promotion of Arab urban identity within a framework of sustainability, in line with the development needs of the Arab region. Their remarks came at the conclusion of the “Sustainable Cities with an Arab Identity” forum, organized by the General Secretariat of the Federation of Arab Engineers in cooperation with the Arab Consulting Engineering Offices and Firms Authority and the Arab Architects Authority, under the auspices of the League of Arab States.
Engineer Aqeel Murad, a specialist in waste management, recycling, and sustainability, presented a paper titled “Modern Methods for Sustainable Waste Management – An Analytical Study on Modern Technologies and the Circular Economy”, addressing the future of waste management in Arab cities. He highlighted global best practices in converting waste into economic resources, including waste-to-energy projects, construction waste recycling, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production, and organic waste treatment for fertilizers and biofuels. Murad stressed the need to transition from traditional landfill systems to circular economy–based approaches, noting the potential for financial savings, resource conservation, and reduced emissions.
Engineer Hanan Al-Mohammad
Engineer Aqeel Murad, specializing in waste management, recycling, and sustainability.
Murad emphasized that sustainable urban development requires genuine partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society. “Building environmentally friendly cities begins with modern technologies such as waste-to-electricity incinerators, smart sorting systems, plastic-to-petroleum conversion, and organic fertilizer production from food waste,” he said, highlighting successful models from developed countries. He added that investment in knowledge and technology, coupled with long-term planning, is essential to improving quality of life and protecting the environment for future generations.
Engineer Nasser Al-Mutairi, Head of the Technical Committee at the Kuwaiti Federation of Engineering Offices and Consulting Firms, highlighted the importance of environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and recyclable building materials. In his paper “The Use of Sustainable Materials in Construction”, he discussed sustainability principles, the selection of materials in sustainable architecture, and the need for a collective effort from governments, society, and the private sector to promote their adoption.
Engineer Hanan Al-Mohammad presented a research paper titled “Occupational Safety and Health and Integrated Strategies for Sustainable Development”, underscoring the role of worker safety and health in achieving sustainable urban development. She emphasized that integrating safety principles into daily work culture enhances quality of life and contributes to building cities aligned with sustainability goals. Her paper proposed strategies including community safety awareness programs, modern management systems, continuous training, and the use of advanced technologies to reduce workplace risks and accidents.
Al-Mohammad highlighted that these measures not only protect workers but also reinforce Arab identity within the framework of sustainable development, reflecting Arab societies’ commitment to global standards. She called on Arab governments to adopt clear policies supporting occupational safety and health across all sectors, including awareness programs and encouragement of innovation in work practices, as part of broader efforts to build sustainable and resilient cities. — KUNA
