Islamic thought can help the region attain a green future 

Islamic thought can help the region attain a green future 

Islamic thought can help the region attain a green future 
Saudi scholars advocated for the ecological preservation based on Qur’anic principles as far back as 1983. (SPA photo)
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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s recent visit to China underscored the urgency of addressing climate change. While she expressed concerns about the adequacy of China’s efforts in combating this existential threat, Chinese officials asserted their commitment to their own vision of sustainability encapsulated in the concept of “Ecological Civilization.” 

This vision seeks to harmonize economic prosperity with ecological preservation over a century-long period. While the Joe Biden administration’s Western approach draws inspiration from seminal works including “Small is Beautiful” by E.F. Schumacher and “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson, China’s perspective is deeply entrenched in indigenous philosophies such as Taoism and Confucianism. These two views on sustainability are not irreconcilable, but they are distinct. 

Over the past half-century, less established environmental perspectives have often been met with wariness rather than recognized as valuable indigenous wisdom deserving documentation, amplification, and integration into a comprehensive global framework rooted in bulletproof science, and which should be embraced by communities worldwide, all of whom should feel directly impacted by climate change issues and recognize their role as part of the solution.  

Take, for instance, Islamic thinking, which carries a long tradition of sustainability and environmental stewardship. While we in Europe and North America were shaping many new environmental concepts, a set of Saudi Arabian scholars pioneered the “Islamic Principles for the Conservation of the Natural Environment” in 1983. 

This 25-page Islamic study, which proved influential in shaping policies across various Muslim states, asserted that the “protection, conservation and development of the environment and natural resources is a mandatory religious duty to which every Muslim should be committed.” It was published with support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and the Saudi Arabia government. 

Using language that we were not used to in the West, the document boldly called upon Muslim “rulers, administrative and municipal agencies and organizations” to protect the environment as a “common social duty.” Anticipating the concept of “sustainable development” later outlined in the seminal UN-sponsored 1987 Brundtland report, the “Islamic Principles” advocated for “a balanced and planned international system for the protection and conservation” of humans and their environment and “for the maintenance and perpetuation of a suitable, prosperous life for the present and future generations.” 

It was also one of the forerunners of the modern concept of “leakage” typically used in carbon markets and of “do no significant harm” used in sustainable finance. It stated that “developmental actions and projects undertaken in one country should not lead to or result in any kind of damage, harm or degradation in the natural environment of another country.”

If Saudi Arabia is currently undertaking plans to plant 10 billion trees, it is worth noting that as far back as 1983, those Saudi scholars advocated for the “revival, restoration, or recovery of lands” based on Qur’anic principles. And as encapsulated in a saying of Prophet Muhammad: “On Doomsday, if anyone has a palm shoot in hand, he should plant it.”

While we in Europe and North America were shaping many new environmental concepts, a set of Saudi Arabian scholars pioneered the Islamic Principles for the Conservation of the Natural Environment in 1983.

Rodrigo Tavares 

The world’s 1.8 billion Muslims may interpret the religious knowledge system differently, and likewise, they may not have a uniform interpretation of climate change. However, several Qur’anic verses and principles, such as Tawhid (unity of creation, including humans and nature), Mizan (maintaining the balance and proportion God has built into his creation), Khalifah (humans as stewards of God’s creation), and Maslahah (care for future generations), have been applied to address environmental concerns. 

Indeed, Muslims hold the belief that humanity bears the responsibility of stewardship, or khalifah, over the planet, understanding that divine accountability awaits them. The Qur’an contains around 200 verses addressing environmental matters. 

One of the pioneers of Islamic environmentalism was the Iranian philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr, who, in the 1960s, highlighted the links between environmental degradation and the spiritual crisis of the modern world. More recent contributions include the ones by Iraqi Islamic eco-theologian Mawil Izzi Dien, Saudi Arabia’s environmental planner Othman Llewellyn, Kurdish Islamic environmentalist Ibrahim Ozdemir and the Sri Lankan eco-theologian Fazlun Khalid. Building on scientific insights, many Islamic scholars point to human activities, including heavy industrial production, waste incineration, reliance on fossil fuel-based mobility, and deforestation, as the primary drivers of ongoing climate change.

But what efforts are Muslim-majority countries and communities making to steward the environment and address the climate emergency? Undoubtedly, there is still a considerable journey ahead. It is noteworthy that many of these countries rank low on the Yale Environmental Performance Index, despite being particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Ideals hum a sweet melody, but reality has its own offbeat rhythm. However, taking a long-term perspective, numerous oil-producing nations in the Gulf region have embraced decarbonization plans and strategic visions focused on environmental sustainability. For instance, Saudi Vision 2030 serves as a widely recognized national masterplan among the country’s citizens, signaling a commitment to environmental stewardship.

From the bottom-up, various Muslim organizations have embarked on reforestation, recycling, and energy efficiency initiatives. They have built low-carbon mosques and disseminated guidelines on conducting the Hajj and the Umrah in an environmentally-conscious manner. There are also non-profit organizations, such as the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, whose goal is to encourage Muslims to live up to their responsibilities as stewards and work toward leaving a livable earth for future generations. Survey data further demonstrate that the majority of Muslims recognize climate change as a significant societal challenge.

The success of the global environmental agenda hinges on its diversification. This entails more than just formally inviting different people to participate; it is about having a sincere interest in the value they could add. 

Rodrigo Tavares is an invited full professor of sustainable finance at NOVA School of Business and Economics, founder and CEO of the Granito Group, former head of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Sao Paulo state government, nominated Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and the author of four books. 
 

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

25 companies compete for six Saudi sports clubs in privatization push, says minister

25 companies compete for six Saudi sports clubs in privatization push, says minister
Updated 47 sec ago
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25 companies compete for six Saudi sports clubs in privatization push, says minister

25 companies compete for six Saudi sports clubs in privatization push, says minister

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ongoing sports privatization initiative has sparked significant interest from both local and international investors. A total of 25 companies are now actively pursuing investment opportunities in six of the 14 sports clubs proposed for privatization in the first phase.

During the Saudi Arabia Budget 2025 Conference, Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal discussed the economic potential of the privatization drive, estimating that these investments could amount to SR500 million ($133 million).

“There is also interest from foreign companies in investing and acquiring local sports clubs, which we will announce soon,” the minister said.

Prince Abdulaziz noted that the Saudi Pro League’s international profile is on the rise, with broadcasts now reaching over 160 countries. Revenues from the league have increased by 33 percent this year, reflecting growing participation and interest in the Kingdom’s sports sector.

The expansion of sports is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 reforms, which seek to diversify the country’s economy. To facilitate investment in the sector, the privatization process has been streamlined with the launch of a platform that licenses academies and clubs, making it easier for individuals and businesses to invest.

“In 2018, no one was allowed to establish a club except through the hassle of regulatory processes. Now, through the platform, anyone can open their club or academy and invest easily in the sector,” he explained.

Saudi Arabia has also made notable progress in sports tourism, hosting around 80 sports events over the past four years, attracting 2.5 million visitors. Major events such as the Formula One race in Jeddah have brought substantial economic benefits. The 2023 edition, for instance, generated over 20,000 job opportunities and attracted attendees from 160 different countries.

The minister further highlighted improvements in sports sector administration, including a reduction in contract termination penalties among clubs from SR616 million to SR30 million last year. He also pointed to the shift from part-time or voluntary staffing to a full-time workforce of 5,000 employees, with a target of creating 130,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

In another session at the conference, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb shared that tourism’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product had increased from 3 percent in 2018 to 5 percent in 2023, with a target of 10 percent by 2030.

“In the recent G20 meeting in Brazil, they presented the tourism growth of the nations in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period in 2019. Saudi Arabia was the highest with 70 percent, followed by Turkiye with 5 percent — a huge growth gap between the first and the second,” Al-Khateeb remarked.

Domestic travel in Saudi Arabia has also seen a surge, with the average number of flights per Saudi citizen or resident rising from 1.4 in 2018 to 2.5 in 2023. This compares favorably with leading global tourism destinations such as France (3.5) and Spain (2.8).

Saudi Arabia’s focus on cultural, sports, and historical events has positioned the Kingdom to capture a share of the 1.6 billion travelers expected to grow to 3.8 billion by 2032. Al-Khateeb emphasized that Vision 2030 initiatives have been central to this growth, driving both job creation and economic diversification.

In a separate panel, Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant minister of Investment, highlighted the role of monetary policies in fostering sustainability and building trust with investors.

“There is no other spot in the world that has seen the transformation witnessed in the Kingdom at such an unprecedented speed since the launch of Vision 2030,” Al-Mubarak said.

He also praised the upcoming launch of a new investment system, set to replace the current foreign investment system in early 2025. This new framework aims to offer equal support to both domestic and international investors, consolidating investor rights and freedoms into a more transparent and business-friendly environment.

Al-Mubarak further celebrated the Kingdom’s success in the regional headquarters program, which has already surpassed its Vision 2030 target of attracting 500 regional headquarters by 2030.

“We are now hosting 540 companies by 2024,” he added, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a regional business hub.


Pakistan, South Korea conduct joint drill in Arabian Sea to deter piracy, drug trafficking

Pakistan, South Korea conduct joint drill in Arabian Sea to deter piracy, drug trafficking
Updated 6 min 17 sec ago
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Pakistan, South Korea conduct joint drill in Arabian Sea to deter piracy, drug trafficking

Pakistan, South Korea conduct joint drill in Arabian Sea to deter piracy, drug trafficking
  • Exercise included tactical maneuvers and communication drills to foster interoperability
  • Pakistan, South Korea are both part of 46-nation Combined Maritime Forces partnership

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy’s PNS Zulfiqar conducted a joint exercise with South Korea’s Wang Geon ship in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, the navy said, with the drill aimed at intensifying efforts to deter illicit maritime activities such as piracy and drug trafficking. 

Both ships took part in the exercise under the task forces of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), CTF-150 and CTF-151, respectively. The CMF is a 46-nation naval partnership, which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity worldwide. 

Pakistan Navy said the Passage Exercise included tactical maneuvers and communication drills, adding that these were aimed at enhancing operational interoperability and fostering professional ties between the two navies. 

“CTF-150 and CTF-151 focus on deterring illicit maritime activities such as drug trafficking and piracy, which threaten security in international waters,” the navy said in a statement. 

Pakistan said the exercise demonstrated both navies’ commitment to uphold maritime security, support lawful activities at sea and promote stability and cooperation in the region.

“Pakistan and the Republic of Korea consistently contribute ships and aircraft to maritime security efforts under the CMF banner,” the navy said.

“This collaboration is particularly valuable for building mutual understanding and operational synergy.”

Pakistan Navy regularly collaborates and holds joint military exercises with allies and countries that are part of the CMF to deter piracy, drug trafficking and other illicit maritime activities. 
 


Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges

Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges
Updated 50 min 1 sec ago
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Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges

Pakistan, China agree to strengthen defense ties amid regional challenges
  • General Asim Munir hosts vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission at the GHQ
  • Chinese general praises Pakistan’s commitment to ties with Beijing, counter-terrorism efforts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Wednesday agreed to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, with both sides emphasizing the strategic importance of their partnership during high-level discussions at the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, led a delegation to meet Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir. The visit included a one-on-one meeting between the two generals, followed by delegation-level talks.
"The engagements focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, measures for regional stability, and enhancing bilateral defense cooperation," the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
"General Asim Munir underscored the enduring and all-weather nature of Pakistan-China relations, emphasizing their foundation of mutual trust and cooperation," the statement added, noting that the army chief thanked the Chinese leadership for standing firmly with Pakistan, irrespective of changes in the international and regional environment.
The ISPR also quoted the Chinese general praising Pakistan’s commitment to the strategic partnership, commending the army’s professionalism and resolve in counter-terrorism efforts. He reiterated China’s determination to strengthen defense ties and deepen collaboration for regional stability.
China already plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic and strategic framework, primarily through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, Chinese authorities have expressed concerns over attacks on their nationals working on various CPEC projects by militant groups of differing ideologies.
Earlier, General Zhang paid tribute to Pakistan’s fallen soldiers by laying a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument upon his arrival at GHQ. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honor by a contingent of the Pakistan Army.


Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon
Updated 53 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ministry of foreign affairs expressed said the Kingdom welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon in a statement posted on X on Wednesday. 

The Kingdom expressed appreciation for all international efforts made for the ceasefire, adding that it hoped it would lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolution (1701) and the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability and the return of the displaced to their homes in safety and security.

Resolution 1701 calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.


Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights

Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights
Updated 27 November 2024
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Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights

Prince Sultan International Airport drives Tabuk’s growth with 25% surge in flights

JEDDAH: Prince Sultan International Airport in Tabuk is playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s transportation expansion, with a 25 percent increase in flight operations.

This surge highlights the region’s alignment with Vision 2030, focusing on enhanced logistics, connectivity, and sustainability.

During a recent visit to the region, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser affirmed that Tabuk is experiencing substantial growth, which supports the broader objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The minister emphasized that the rise in airport operations  — including both the number of flights and the diversity of domestic and international routes — signals further development in the coming years.

Launched in 2021, Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics strategy aims to transform the country into a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

The strategy seeks to elevate all transport services and is a central element of Vision 2030. The plan includes an investment of over $266.7 billion by 2030, with $53.3 billion already deployed.

Al-Jasser also highlighted the region’s advanced road infrastructure, built to international standards, which is designed to accommodate the growing population and economic activity while ensuring safety and efficiency for travelers.

Noting the significant progress in Tabuk’s transport sector, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership for its ongoing commitment to improving services across all sectors, particularly in transportation.

He emphasized that these initiatives not only address current demands but are also geared towards future goals, particularly in enhancing supply chain efficiency and supporting both domestic and international logistics networks.

The minister further underscored the importance of environmental sustainability in transportation, advocating for eco-friendly solutions and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into transport operations.

Al-Jasser also acknowledged the leadership of Tabuk Gov. Prince Fahd bin Sultan, praising his steadfast support for the region’s development projects and his role in enhancing transport services for residents and visitors alike.

He commended the strong partnership between regional authorities and the Ministry of Transport, which has been instrumental in achieving shared goals.

During his visit, the minister held discussions with members of the Tabuk Chamber of Commerce, exploring opportunities for further collaboration with the private sector to advance the goals of the NTLS. He also met with local residents to hear their insights, suggestions, and priorities regarding the region’s transport and logistics infrastructure.