The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading a new and crucial phase in the journey of the Green Middle East Initiative , the ambitious regional initiative that aims to reshape the region’s environmental future and address global climate challenges. With the completion of the foundational phase and the establishment of the Secretariat in Riyadh, the initiative is now entering the implementation phase, translating pledges into tangible projects on the ground.
Background of the initiative: A regional response to a global challenge
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Green Middle East Initiative in March 2021, as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and within the framework of the “Saudi Green Initiative.” This step came as a direct response to the growing environmental challenges facing the region, which is among the most affected by climate change in the world. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa suffer from severe phenomena such as desertification, water scarcity, and temperatures exceeding the global average, in addition to dust storms that cost the region’s economies more than $13 billion annually. Hence, the need for coordinated regional action to collectively address these threats has become paramount.
Ambitious goals of the Green Middle East Initiative
The initiative aims to achieve ambitious environmental goals, most notably planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East, equivalent to 5% of the global afforestation target. This figure includes planting 10 billion trees within Saudi Arabia and 40 billion trees in the rest of the region in collaboration with regional partners. The goal extends beyond afforestation to include the restoration of 200 million hectares of degraded land and a 60% reduction in carbon emissions from oil production in the region, placing it at the heart of global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.
From establishment to implementation: A new phase launched from Jeddah
Previous summits and ministerial meetings, beginning with the first Riyadh Summit in 2021 and the second Sharm El Sheikh Summit in 2022, have been key milestones in establishing the regulatory frameworks and approving the initiative's charter and governance structure. Today, the second meeting of the Ministerial Council in Jeddah, with the participation of 31 countries, marks the beginning of the implementation phase. The Council is expected to make important decisions regarding the initiation of projects, the determination of funding mechanisms, and the activation of the regional centers launched by the Kingdom to provide the necessary expertise and knowledge, such as the Regional Center for Climate Change and the Regional Center for Early Warning of Dust Storms.
The importance and expected impact of the initiative
The importance of the Green Middle East initiative goes beyond direct environmental impact, extending to strategic, economic and social dimensions:
- At the local level: The initiative aligns with Vision 2030 to diversify the Saudi economy, create new job opportunities in green economy sectors, and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents by improving air quality and expanding green spaces.
- At the regional level: The initiative works to unite the efforts of the countries of the region to confront a common challenge, and to enhance cooperation in the areas of technology transfer, water resource management, and food security, which contributes to achieving stability and sustainable development.
- At the international level, the initiative presents a unique model for climate action led by a region historically known for its energy production. It sends a powerful message to the world that Middle Eastern countries are not only part of the problem, but also essential and active participants in finding solutions, thus reinforcing their position as a reliable international partner in combating climate change.
As it moves into the implementation phase, the Middle East Green Initiative is poised to achieve a tangible global impact, establishing a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region’s future generations.
