The first tree was planted at the Kuwait and Türkiye Friendship Park as part of a greening effort started by the U.N. Habitat Kuwait and Gulf Arab States Office and the Turkish Embassy in Kuwait.

In a joint statement released on Friday, the organizations said the project aims to expand green spaces in public areas, promote volunteerism and encourage local communities to help improve the urban environment.

The initiative also seeks to support circular economy principles by reducing waste, using recycled materials and reusing resources. Organizers said involving young people, volunteers and residents would help foster a shared responsibility for protecting the environment and public spaces.

The project aligns with U.N. Habitat’s efforts to promote sustainable cities and human settlements and with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.

Living symbol of friendship

Türkiye’s ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sönmez, said the tree represented more than an environmental effort, calling it "a living symbol” of the longstanding friendship between Kuwait and Türkiye.

Sönmez also highlighted Türkiye’s Zero Waste initiative, which promotes waste reduction, reuse and recycling, and stressed the need for international cooperation to address climate change.

She reported that 31st Conference of the parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) will be held Nov. 9 to 20, 2026, in Türkiye's Antalya and said climate action requires cooperation beyond national borders.

"In a fragmented world, climate action requires trust, justice and implementation,” Sönmez said.

Dr. Ameera Al-Hassan, head of mission at the U.N. Habitat Gulf Office, said greening public spaces can improve quality of life and strengthen cities’ ability to adapt to climate change.

She emphasized the role of communities and volunteers in creating sustainable cities.

"A sustainable city is built not only for the community, but together with the community,” Al-Hassan said.

Al-Hassan said the project would use recycled and reusable materials wherever possible, combining urban greening with circular economy principles.

Organizers said they hope the initiative will make the Kuwait-Türkiye Friendship Park a model for international cooperation, volunteerism and community participation.