Saudi Arabia Announces Comprehensive Agenda For The 2024 Saudi Green Initiative Forum At UNCCD COP16

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the program for the fourth Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum. Scheduled for December 3-4, 2024, in Riyadh, it coincides with the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16). The forum will gather global leaders, climate experts, senior officials, and industry CEOs to discuss and act on climate challenges under the theme "Action is in Our Nature."

Speakers at the 2024 SGI Forum include notable figures such as Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud and President of Senegal Macky Sall. Other key participants are Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Aramco's CEO Amin Nasser, World Energy Council's Angela Wilkinson, TotalEnergies' Patrick Pouyanné, Air Liquide's François Jackow, and IUCN's Dr. Grethel Aguilar.

The discussions will revolve around five main pillars: Greening Land for Global Good, Energy Innovation Driving Emissions Reduction, Financing the Green Transition for Sustainable Livelihoods, Nature-Based Solutions for Climate and Community Resilience, and Biodiversity Protection as a Key to Climate Resilience. These themes highlight the interconnected nature of global climate issues and Saudi Arabia’s dedication to comprehensive solutions.

In addition to the forum, the SGI Pavilion within the UNCCD COP16 Green Zone offers an engaging experience. Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm during UNCCD COP16 except on December 3-4, it features five zones showcasing Saudi Arabia’s strategies in Reducing Emissions, Growing 10 Billion Trees, Protecting Nature, Promoting Sustainability, and building a Sustainable Future.

The SGI Pavilion also introduces a Kids Zone aimed at inspiring young Saudis to become environmental champions. This addition follows its successful debut at COP28. The pavilion aims to educate visitors through interactive displays that illustrate Saudi Arabia’s environmental initiatives.

SGI Talks will return with international and Saudi climate experts sharing insights on sustainability trends and innovations. These sessions will occur daily from December 5-13 at 3:00 pm inside the SGI Pavilion. Topics include renewable energy innovations, sustainable land use practices, and empowering youth in climate action.

Experts from global multilateral and environmental organizations like the World Bank and the Convention on Wetlands will also contribute their perspectives. Their participation ensures a diverse range of views on advancing climate action is represented at the forum.

This year's SGI Forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing climate change through collaborative efforts. By bringing together leaders from various sectors, it aims to foster dialogue and drive meaningful action towards a sustainable future.

With inputs from SPA