Saudi Arabia Advocates For Integrated Early Warning Systems And Climate Action At RIMES Conference

Saudi Arabia highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to tackle climate and environmental challenges at the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES). The event took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with participation from ministers, member state representatives, and relevant organizations. Ayman Ghulam, Chief Executive of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) and head of Saudi Arabia's delegation, delivered these remarks.

Ghulam stressed the need for integrated early warning systems that safeguard lives and property while promoting sustainable development in the region. He pointed out that the conference aligns with international efforts like the United Nations’ "Early Warnings for All initiative." Addressing gaps in monitoring and analysis chains was emphasized, along with improving communication with beneficiaries to base decisions on accurate scientific data.

Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of developing early warning systems since 2011 when it became the first Middle Eastern country to launch a national system through the NCM. The Kingdom has advanced this system by incorporating artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and big-data analytics. Major initiatives such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives have also been launched.

The Kingdom is dedicated to supporting capacity-building programs and knowledge transfer to developing nations. Ghulam reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering joint climate action, creating a unified digital infrastructure, and establishing regional platforms for data exchange and standardization. These efforts aim to build a comprehensive and efficient early warning system.

Ghulam showcased Saudi Arabia's contributions to regional and global systems through specialized centers like the Climate Change Regional Center, Sand and Dust Storm Regional Center, and Cloud Seeding Program. These centers are part of broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.

The Kingdom's initiatives are designed to support sustainable development pathways while ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. By doing so, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that decisions are informed by reliable scientific evidence, contributing significantly to regional climate action.

Saudi Arabia remains committed to promoting joint climate action across regions. By developing a unified digital infrastructure and establishing platforms for data exchange, the Kingdom seeks to contribute towards an equitable early warning system that benefits all member states involved in RIMES.

With inputs from SPA