International green technologies, economy forum opens in Manama

The International Forum on Economy and Green Technologies began activities in Manama Monday, with participants discussing environmental-friendly state-of-art technlogies and renewable energy.
Mohammad bin Daina, Chief Executive of Bahrain's Supreme Council For Environment, said the three-day forum would focus on how to link economy with green technologies with the aim of reducing pollution.
Addressing the opening session, bin Daina said Bahrain has prepared necessary plans to achieve sustainable development as well as having the environment as an integral part of the country's policies.
The forum os co-organized by the Supreme Council for Environment and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
UNIDO Director General Li Yong said there were many renewable energy resources which could be used in order to prevent pollution.
He said clear energy should be reachable by all countries specially the developing nations, which could use this energy to addressing poverty and those marginalized.
Li Yong said green economy played a great role in fighting poverty through provision of jobs.
The UNIDO chief highlighted hazardous effects of waste, citing size of solid waste every year at 11 million tons. "This is a massive volume affecting global environment balance," he added.
Egyptian Minister of Environment Khaled Fahmi called on the importance of supporting economic growth but without harming the environment.
Kuwait is represented by Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Environment Public Authority.