Global Leaders Converge in Riyadh to Discuss Saudi Arabia’s Climate Strategy and Regional Collaboration
Global leaders are gathering in Riyadh for the inaugural Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) forum to discuss the next steps in the region’s climate action efforts. Starting on 23 October 2021 at Al Tuwaiq Palace, the three-day event will unveil the SGI’s roadmap and highlight the Kingdom’s ongoing environmental initiatives.
The SGI is a comprehensive national action plan aimed at creating sustainable environmental changes. It marks the beginning of a new climate action era designed to protect the planet for future generations.
Among the speakers at the forum will be Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s tourism minister, who is leading efforts to transform the Kingdom into a sustainable global tourism destination. Key projects like Neom, The Red Sea Project, Amaala, and AlUla are central to these ambitious plans.
Prince Abdulaziz, the energy minister, will outline Saudi Arabia’s strategy to align its energy policies with SGI objectives, including reducing carbon emissions by 130 million tonnes annually. The country also aims to achieve a 50 percent share of renewable energy in its domestic energy mix by 2030 and expand protected areas to cover 30 percent of its land, while planting 10 billion trees.
On 24 October, the Youth Green Summit will offer the Kingdom’s next generation a platform to engage in climate discussions, focusing on environmental literacy, advocacy, and policy development.
The final day will host the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, where regional and international leaders will discuss collaborative environmental efforts. Building on the SGI’s goals, Saudi Arabia plans to work with neighboring countries to expand collective climate action beyond its borders.
