Riyadh: The Middle East Green Initiative, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change across the region and contribute to global climate action goals. The initiative plans to plant 50 billion trees, representing 5% of the global afforestation target, to address the economic and environmental challenges posed by rising temperatures and extreme weather events. Dust storms alone cost the region more than $13 billion annually.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative promotes regional cooperation and the development of infrastructure that reduces emissions while creating long-term economic opportunities. Trees play a vital role in improving air quality, reducing soil erosion, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Through the planned afforestation efforts, the initiative seeks to restore 200 million hectares of degraded land, including the planting of 10 billion trees in Saudi Arabia and 40 billion trees across the wider region over the coming decades.
To support these ambitious objectives, Saudi Arabia is launching regional centers to enhance knowledge exchange and attract investment. The first Middle East Green Initiative Summit was held in Riyadh in October 2021, bringing together leaders from 28 countries to discuss climate cooperation. The second summit took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022.
In addition, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley chaired a meeting to approve the initiative’s governance framework, with the participation of 20 countries and international organizations. The first session of the Middle East Green Initiative Ministerial Council was held in Jeddah in 2024, with more than 29 countries taking part.
The next ministerial council meeting is scheduled for January 29, with the participation of 31 regional member states from Asia and Africa, as well as the United Kingdom as an observer. The meeting will reaffirm commitments stemming from previous summits and focus on strengthening collaborative efforts to address climate change and enhance biodiversity across the region.