EU Ambassador Anne Koistinen delivers a keynote speech at a conference to mark the International Day of Clean Energy

EU Ambassador Anne Koistinen delivers a keynote speech at a conference to mark the International Day of Clean Energy

EU Ambassador Anne Koistinen delivers a keynote speech at the 3rd Kuwait Society of Engineers annual conference on clean energy, bringing together officials, diplomats and experts to support Kuwait's transition towards a low-carbon economy. EU Ambassador was patron of the conference and delivered the keynote speech, which touched upon the potential for EU-Kuwait cooperation towards carbon neutrality. She said that the EU looks forward to engaging with Kuwait to negotiate a bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement, which will further elevate the bilateral relationship and cooperation across sectors, including clean energy.

It is a great honour to be here today at the Third Kuwait Society of Engineers Annual Conference as we mark the International Day of Clean Energy. The title of this year's edition 'The Role of Clean Energy in Achieving Carbon Neutrality Strategies' makes this an even more timely gathering, as we advance the global clean energy transition.

This important event comes in a year where we mark the 40th anniversary of EU-Kuwait diplomatic relations, reflecting decades of cooperation and shared commitment to prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development.

I'm confident that as the engineers and architects of tomorrow's world, we can count on you to lead the transition towards a sustainable future. In this context, I would like to draw upon the experiences and insights emerging from the European Union, which serve as a significant beacon in the quest for a carbon-neutral future.

The European Union's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 stands as a strategic model of leadership. We have implemented comprehensive policies and strategies, many of which offer valuable lessons. A cornerstone of their approach is the European Green Deal-a robust plan aiming to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient economy. It includes strict regulatory frameworks and incentive-based mechanisms to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies.

Clean energy is at the heart of the EU-Kuwait partnership. The European Union has consistently emphasised that the green transition is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic opportunity for economic resilience, energy security, and international partnerships.

As highlighted in our strategies, the green transition is central to our diplomacy: it strengthens partnerships, supports innovation, and helps countries achieve their climate objectives. Energy cooperation is, therefore, not just about technology, but about shared prosperity and stability.

Kuwait's ambitious vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, and to meet 50% of its electricity demand from renewables by 2050, aligns closely with our priorities. The EU firmly believes that reaching such targets requires a holistic approach, combining modern legislation, robust governance, and innovative technologies such as energy storage and green hydrogen. These elements are critical for enhancing efficiency, ensuring reliability, and integrating clean energy seamlessly into national systems.

We also know that achieving carbon neutrality is a collective endeavour. Regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building are essential. By learning from international expertise and scientific research, and by fostering partnerships between public institutions, academia, and industry, countries like Kuwait can accelerate their transition while contributing meaningfully to global climate goals.

The EU remains committed to supporting international partners in this journey. Through our energy diplomacy, climate action initiatives, and collaborative projects, we seek to promote renewable energy deployment, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

The renewable energy sector is one of many that the EU-Kuwait partnership focuses on. We look forward to engaging with Kuwait to negotiate a bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement, which will further elevate our bilateral relationship and our cooperation across sectors, including clean energy. Together, we can ensure that the energy transition not only addresses the urgent challenges of climate change but also unlocks new opportunities for innovation, employment, and sustainable growth.

Kuwait, with its abundant solar potential, is well-positioned to harness clean energy. Initiatives to increase green energy contributions in Kuwait's energy mix can benefit significantly from the tried-and-tested EU strategies. Collaboration is key; partnerships in technology exchange, research, and development could accelerate efforts, driving innovation while respecting local contexts and needs.

In conclusion, as engineers, you are at the forefront of pioneering solutions to achieve carbon neutrality. The EU exemplifies how strategic frameworks, coupled with technological innovation and collaborative efforts, can effectively steer countries toward a sustainable future. I invite you to draw inspiration from these experiences while tailoring them to the unique strengths and challenges faced here in Kuwait. By investing in clean energy, promoting policies that enable innovation, and fostering partnerships, we can build a resilient, carbon-neutral future.

(Al-Jarida) (Al-Rai) (Al-Anba) (Al-Seyassah) (Arab Times)