Saudi Green Building Forum Expands International Presence At The 29th UN CSTD Session

The Saudi Green Building Forum has expanded its global role in science and technology for development by confirming participation in the 29th session of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development. The meeting will take place from 20 to 24 April 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The Saudi Green Building Forum joins the Commission on Science and Technology for Development in an advisory capacity, after its participation was approved by the CSTD secretariat. The secretariat has been based within the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development since 1993, supporting the Commission’s work and coordination.

During the CSTD session, representatives from governments, international organisations, civil society, and private sector bodies are expected to attend. The Saudi Green Building Forum will present a working paper on data-based pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on sustainable construction and evidence-led innovation.

The paper from the Saudi Green Building Forum links science and technology for development with real projects in the built environment, using data to guide policies. It highlights how reliable information can support national and international climate aspirations, including efforts linked to CSTD discussions on carbon emissions and resource management.

SGBF Secretary General Eng. Faisal Alfadl stated that this engagement with the Commission on Science and Technology for Development comes during rapid growth in artificial intelligence use worldwide. Alfadl stressed that trusted and verifiable datasets are now more valuable than the simple quantity of available information.

Alfadl explained that the Forum uses its saaf system to turn technical information into clear decisions. He said, "Through the saaf® system, we work to transform data into measurable decisions that enhance resource efficiency, strengthen sustainability in the built environment, and improve quality of life," he said.

According to Alfadl, the saaf evaluation and compliance framework applies an advanced method based on a "sufficiency first" principle. He said this technical basis seeks genuine and verifiable carbon neutrality and avoids early claims of success that rely on the term ‘low carbon’ without first reducing overall demand.

By joining the 29th CSTD session, the Saudi Green Building Forum places Saudi expertise within wider debates on science and technology for development. The participation connects local sustainable construction efforts with global policy discussions, and underlines continuing work to align data systems, carbon targets, and quality of life goals.

With inputs from SPA