Cairo: Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley underscored the Arab region's growing environmental momentum, reflecting its strong commitment to environmental issues. He noted that this surge, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, has led to key initiatives like the Middle East Green Initiative, which aims to boost regional collaboration in combating land degradation, protecting green spaces, ensuring food security, and adapting to climate change.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Alfadley delivered these remarks during the 18th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE), held yesterday in Cairo. He praised CEDARE's significant efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Arab and European regions and share environmental and developmental expertise.
The meeting focused on improving the center's operations and efficiency. Discussions highlighted the need to redefine the center's goals to meet current and future challenges. The meeting reviewed the center's strategic plans, assessed its institutional and financial capacity for continuous program delivery, and explored ways to enhance regional cooperation in circular economy, supporting sustainable development objectives.
Alfadley also highlighted the Arab region's efforts in addressing global environmental challenges. Egypt hosted the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in 2022, followed by the UAE hosting COP28 in 2023.
Saudi Arabia hosted the COP16 to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and announced the establishment of the Global Water Organization in Riyadh. This collectively reflects the Arab region's commitment to environmental conservation.
Concluding his statement, Alfadley reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's dedication to collaborating with environmental stakeholders regionally and internationally to tackle environmental challenges and promote a sustainable future.