Saudi Arabia Chairs the 35th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environment Meetings

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today led the 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environment, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in cooperation with the League of Arab States, from October 13-17, 2024 in Jeddah. With the attendance and participation of the Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs and representatives of many relevant regional and international organizations. During his remarks, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley said Saudi Arabia takes a holistic approach to the environment aligning with Vision 2030, as well as focusing on protecting the natural environment and preserving biodiversity and vegetation cover. He added that the country has implemented national legislation, strategies, and plans dedicated to environmental protection, and sustainability such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. The Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, Ibrahim Thiaw, stressed that the Arab world is facing a wat er crisis more than anywhere else in the world as the water once-roaring rivers have been reduced. With only 2% of the world's renewable water supplies, the Arab region is one of the driest regions in the world. Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Economic Affairs Sector at the Arab League Ambassador Ali bin Ibrahim AlMalki said that this session follows the significant involvement of Arab nations in hosting COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia will host COP16. He noted that the positive outcomes and initiatives introduced during these conferences have gained global recognition. A range of critical environmental topics were covered, including Arab Union for Nature Reserves challenges and addressing climate change issues. Discussions will also focus on international environmental agreements in the environmental sector and the interconnectedness of policies related to water, agriculture, and the environment in Arab countries. During the session, it was also announced that the city of Riyadh has been named the Arab Environment Capital for the next two years. Also, The Saudi Green Initiative received the Distinguished Environmental Project Award at the government sector level. Additionally, Arab countries were invited to join the Middle East Green Initiative and actively participate in COP16. Source: Saudi Press Agency