The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) organized, in collaboration with the Arab Planning Institute (Kuwait), a Forum on “Health Vigilance, Air Quality, and Sustainable Hazardous Waste Management”.  The event, which took place at the Institute's headquarters in Kuwait on April 21–22, 2025, was held as part of the ongoing cooperation between ALECSO and the Institute.

In his opening speech, Dr. Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of Science and Scientific Research, conveyed the greetings of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, to Dr. Abdullah Al-Shami, Director-General of the Arab Planning Institute, as well as to all experts and participants from Arab and European countries.  He noted that the implementation of this Forum reflects ALECSO’s commitment to supporting Arab efforts aimed at strengthening public health systems and promoting environmental sustainability. This can be achieved, he added,  through raising community awareness and enhancing the capacities of institutions and professionals in the fields of health, environment, science, and higher education.  

Dr. Abu Darwish indicated that this program, the first of its kind, focuses on a range of interconnected health and environmental challenges facing Arab countries, including air pollution and air quality, poor management of hazardous medical waste, and the limited integration of sustainable waste treatment concepts into the curricula of medical and scientific colleges. He emphasized that addressing these issues requires concerted scientific, legislative and awareness efforts.

The Forum saw a broad participation from prominent experts, researchers, and decision-makers from various Arab and other countries. It served as a platform for sharing experience and expertise, showcasing sustainable solutions, and presenting successful global models in terms of smart waste management and air quality enhancement.

Through this scientific event, ALECSO seeks to achieve several strategic goals, most notably strengthening the capacities of decision-makers in health and environmental institutions, encouraging inter-Arab cooperation in areas related to health vigilance and air quality, and developing legislation and curricula toward promoting a culture of prevention and preparedness. The event is also designed to highlight new concepts in medical waste management, based on sustainability and advanced technology.

In his speech, Dr. Abdullah Al-Shami, Director of the Arab Planning Institute, thanked ALECSO for its efforts in promoting joint Arab action and its fruitful cooperation with the Institute. He welcomed the implementation of this Forum at the Institute, and expressed support for any initiatives that can help achieve sustainable development in Arab countries. He affirmed that the Forum marks a significant step forward in establishing health vigilance as a strategic choice aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting the shared commitment of both sides to addressing priority issues in the Arab world.