How Saudi-hosted MENA Climate Week aims to generate regional momentum for climate change mitigation

MENA CW will showcase the many climate initiatives Saudi Arabia has adopted to achieve the targets set by the Paris Agreement. It has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainability projects, launching the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives. (SPA)
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Updated 08 October 2023
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How Saudi-hosted MENA Climate Week aims to generate regional momentum for climate change mitigation

  • MENA Climate Week in Riyadh offers the Kingdom an opportunity to highlight its many sustainability initiatives
  • Saudi Arabia is expected to explore partnerships with organizations and countries to address the climate challenge

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (October 8-12), a conference that brings together experts and policymakers from the climate field and provides the Kingdom an opportunity to highlight its energy transition efforts.

Widely touted as one of the most significant events taking place ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, or COP28, this November in Dubai, MENA Climate Week will allow officials, activists and scientists to discuss ways to mitigate the effects of global warming.

The Riyadh-hosted event, held in collaboration with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, will also offer Saudi Arabia a chance to show how it is leading the region’s green transition with programs like the Saudi Green Initiative and the adoption of renewables.

The UNFCCC is tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. The week will take place in collaboration with the UN Development Programme, UN Environment Programme, and the World Bank.

Partners based in the MENA region include the International Renewable Energy Agency, Islamic Development Bank, the League of Arab States secretariat, and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy said in a recent statement that MENA Climate Week will position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the climate debate, allowing it to help set the narrative for COP28 and shape forthcoming negotiations on emissions targets.

MENA Climate Week will feature a packed agenda of regional and international events, meetings and exhibitions, along with several cultural activities.

FASTFACTS

The Middle East and North Africa Climate Week 2023 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 8-12.

Regional climate weeks aim to inspire people to become part of the momentum created by the Paris Agreement.

They are a collaborative platform where governments and organizations come together to address climate issues.

During the week, Saudi Arabia will use key discussions to promote its circular carbon economy approach and to identify potential partnerships with organizations and countries to mitigate climate challenges.

A circular carbon economy is a closed loop system for managing and reducing emissions involving four “Rs”: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove. Saudi Arabia and Aramco have adopted the framework as a way to reduce their carbon footprints.

“Our world needs to urgently transform to address the climate challenge,” the Ministry of Energy said in its statement. “Saudi Arabia and the MENA region are committed to exploring all approaches to reach the ambitions outlined in the Paris Agreement.”




The World Economic Forum’s annual Energy Index Report revealed earlier this year that Saudi Arabia has advanced 24 ranks in the Energy Transition Index since 2021, thanks to SGI and the establishment of the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market by the Kingdom. (Supplied)

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change that was adopted in 2015 and compels signatories to work toward limiting global temperature increases to no more than 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels.

“Climate action must not leave any section of society behind. Finding solutions requires an inclusive approach, where all parts of society — including industry — have a role,” the ministry added.

The week will also showcase Saudi Arabia’s progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the different initiatives the Kingdom has adopted to achieve its net zero goals by 2060.

“The MENA region is blessed with some of the fastest growing economies in the world,” the ministry said. “Through innovative solutions, our development goals can be achieved while meeting the challenge of climate change. 

“As the leading energy exporter in the region and an important investor in research and development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the wider region, can provide potential paths to reduce environmental impacts.”




Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainability projects, launching the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives. (AFP/File photo)

Indeed, the ministry says that climate action should not come at the cost of economic development and global energy security.

MENA Climate Week will focus on three main pillars: transformation, inclusion, and solutions.

The transformation pillar emphasizes the need to change the way societies live and work and how their economies function in order to mitigate climate risks. The Gulf states have already understood the necessity of change and are acting toward a greener future.

Inclusion means promoting cooperative approaches that leave nobody behind in this transformation — be they public, private, or civil society.




This aerial view shows dry fish farms in the village of Albu Mustafa in Hilla, about 100 km (62 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, on July 6, 2023, following a crackdown by the Iraqi government on unauthorized ponds in an effort to meet the country's water demands. (AFP)

The first day of MENA Climate Week will feature an opening ceremony, followed by a ministerial panel discussion under the theme “Advancing inclusivity and circularity for just and equitable energy transitions.”

Also on the first day, a second ministerial panel will handle the subject of “Inclusive finance and economic diversification toward the goals of the Paris Agreement,” while the third is titled “Towards a global goal on adaptation that adapts to a 1.5 degree world.”

One of the most important events taking place on the second day of MENA Climate Week is the League of Arab States Roundtable, which will discuss expectations of COP28.

Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainability projects, launching the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives. The Saudi Green Initiative, or SGI, aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030.

Under SGI, Saudi Arabia will also plant 10 billion trees across the country in the coming decades and designate 30 percent of the country’s land and sea territories as protected areas by 2030.




Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global implemented a nursery project with the goal to have 50 million trees of Mangroves by 2030. (Red Sea Global photo)

Meanwhile, the wider Middle East Green Initiative focuses on eliminating 670 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and planting 50 billion trees across the region.

The Green Saudi Cities initiative, launched by the Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing Ministry, aims to plant up to 32 million trees in public parks and gardens across the capital Riyadh.

The scheme will be conducted over three phases and will undertake new greening projects in Riyadh, equivalent to an area of 437.5 sq. km. The project is set to be completed by 2031.




As planned, close to a tenth of the Saudi capital city would be green by 2030. (File photo)

The capital is also undergoing a massive overhaul as the Green Riyadh project sets out to increase the proportion of green space to 9 percent and to plant 7.5 million trees by 2030.

At the heart of it all, work is underway to establish the King Salman Park, the largest urban park project in the world, in which 11 sq. km of its planned 16.6 sq. km park will be covered in green spaces and more than a million trees.

The third edition of the SGI forum will take place on Dec. 4 during COP28 and will bring together influential figures, thought leaders, and climate experts who will share their insights and suggestions for tackling climate challenges effectively.

Earlier in July, the World Economic Forum’s annual Energy Index Report revealed that Saudi Arabia has advanced 24 ranks in the Energy Transition Index since 2021, thanks to SGI and the establishment of the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market by the Kingdom.

 


Saudi Arabia, Iraq sign pact to counter money laundering, terrorism

Updated 27 min 18 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, Iraq sign pact to counter money laundering, terrorism

RIYADH: The Kingdom and Iraq have signed an agreement to counter money laundering and terrorism, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The pact was signed between the General Directorate of Financial Investigation at the Presidency of State Security and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Office of the Republic of Iraq.

The agreement was inked on the sidelines of the Arab Forum of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units in Riyadh.


French pilgrim walks through 13 countries to perform Umrah

Updated 16 May 2024
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French pilgrim walks through 13 countries to perform Umrah

  • Currently in Madinah, he is now preparing to walk to Makkah

MADINAH: French traveler Mohamed Boulabiar spent eight months walking through 13 countries to perform Umrah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In an interview with the SPA shortly after arriving in Madinah on Wednesday, Boulabiar said he trained for two years for the 8,000-km walk.

He started in Paris on Aug. 27, 2023, and walked through Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkiye and Jordan before eventually reaching Saudi Arabia.

With only a map and a bag containing essential provisions and a tent weighing only 25 kg, Boulabiar said he spent most of his nights at mosques along the route or with generous strangers who welcomed him into their homes.

Boulabiar said the hardest part of the journey was the weather.

“I departed in the summer and arrived in the spring, passing through autumn and winter, enduring storms and thunder. At one stage of the journey, a snowstorm at the Greek border delayed my trip by a week,” he said.

“It has been a dream since childhood. I yearned to arrive in Makkah on foot, emulating the prophet,” said Boulabiar.


Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization session concludes in Jeddah

Updated 16 May 2024
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Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization session concludes in Jeddah

  • Organization’s director general tells Arab News about its future plans and how it addresses current events and needs in the Arab world, including the crisis in Gaza
  • Other topics discussed during the 121st session of the organization’s Executive Council include efforts to preserve Arab heritage, the effects of AI, and educational initiatives

JEDDAH: The 121st session of the Executive Council of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization concluded in Jeddah on Wednesday.

During the two-day event, ministers and other representatives from 22 Arab nations discussed important topics, initiatives and proposals related to knowledge sharing, scientific advancement, and innovation within the framework of the work of the organization. It will be followed on Friday by its General Conference.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News on Wednesday, Mohammed Walad Amar, the director general of the organization, said: “The aim of this conference is to approve the organization’s budget for the next two years and to endorse its selected projects based on the proposals and needs of Arab countries, envisioning a real acceleration toward the goals of our Arab nations in the fields of education, culture and information technology, as well as in various areas prioritized by Arab countries in cultural and educational work.”

Addressing the crisis in Gaza, Walad Amar said the organization condemned what is happening there and called for support for Palestinians in the fields of the education and culture.

“The organization sees this aggression not only as an attack on the (Palestinian) people but also as an assault on Arab identity in general, and an assault on the Palestinian educational approach,” he added.

A key aspect of ALECSO’s cultural activities and initiatives, Walad Amar said, is its submissions to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization with the aim of preserving Arab culture and heritage through inclusions on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

“To date, we have successfully accredited the initial submissions concerning the palm tree, Arabic calligraphy, traditional clay architecture, metal engraving and wedding customs,” he said. 

Mohammed Walad Amar, the director general of ALECSO. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)

“Our approach aligns with the Arab strategy, which prioritizes both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, fostering awareness across Arab nations about its significance.”

These efforts are complemented by educational programs, Walad Amar said.

“Given the current landscape, our primary challenge lies in revising curricula to reflect present realities and anticipate future needs,” he added.

ALECSO recently staged the fourth Arab Programming Week at King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, which was attended by about 250 teachers from Arab countries. The organization has also created a guide for teaching students in Arab primary and secondary schools about artificial intelligence and is developing an Arab charter for the ethical use of AI.

“We recognize the inevitable influence of artificial intelligence and the challenges it presents,” Walad Amar said.

“While embracing its advancements, we prioritize safeguarding the privacy of our Arab nations. Our aim is to harness the positive aspects of AI while avoiding any negative impacts. Achieving this requires strengthening our educational systems to equip our children with the necessary skills and awareness.”

Two topics discussed during the Executive Council session that were described as particularly significant were the establishment of an ALECSO Partnership Forum, which was initiated by the Kingdom, and an Arab Cultural Week within UNESCO, both of which received unanimous approval.

“The Kingdom consistently presents us with positive and constructive initiatives that unite Arab educational and cultural efforts across various scientific fields,” Ahmed Sameer, the assistant secretary-general of the Yemeni National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, told Arab News.

Issam Louhichi, who oversees operations at the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture in Tunisia, told Arab News that a consensus on ideas during the two-day session meant that a number of decisions were quickly agreed.

“It provided an opportunity to practice democracy within our Arab world through voting on resolutions and exchanging successful experiences in various educational, scientific, and cultural fields,” he added. “This Executive Council serves as an opportunity to present proposals from countries, with the aim of including them in the General Conference agenda (on Friday).

“It was an excellent opportunity to discuss the core issue of Palestine by presenting several proposals. Algeria proposed integrating lessons within educational curricula across Arab countries each year to educate youth about the history and justice of this issue.”

“Today, we were presented with a proposal from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the Arab Cultural Week at UNESCO. This initiative, which involves all Arab countries, including Tunisia, aims to foster collaboration and ensure its success. We will contribute diverse insights and experiences spanning cultural, historical, educational and scientific domains.”

Other topics discussed during the two-day session, which was hosted by the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, included the challenges that Arab nations face in the fields of education, culture and science, innovative solutions to those problems, and ways to forge new partnerships that can broaden the horizons of for education and creative thought.


Saudi institute gears up to tackle organized crime

Updated 15 May 2024
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Saudi institute gears up to tackle organized crime

  • Riyadh forum pushes for stronger global efforts to combat financial crimes

RIYADH: Legal enforcement agencies must outperform organized crime groups by “miles, not just steps,” to prevent criminal alliances forming and flowing across borders, a major Riyadh forum on combating corruption has been told.

In a speech on “Building Human Capabilities to Fight Corruption and Fraud” delivered at the Arab Forum of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units on Wednesday, Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah Al-Banyan, president of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, said that developing strategies to fight organized crime “presents a significant challenge for both the creators and enforcers of these initiatives.”

He added:  “They must ensure that the individuals they train will gain superior knowledge and skills compared to even the most adept criminal organizations as the crimes in question are intricate in nature, often orchestrated by sophisticated transnational gangs that leverage cyberspace and technology to perpetrate their illegal activities while evading detection.”

Organized crime encompasses terrorist groups, drug trafficking, money laundering, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking.

Naif Arab University for Security Sciences examined specialized training programs in the field of economic crime as part of a survey of the Arab region in 2018 . 

“We noticed a shortage in the number and type of programs available compared with other regions of the world,” said Al-Banyan. 

A panel session on ‘Enhancing Cross-Border Enforcement and Asset Recovery Mechanisms,’ on Wednesday in Riyadh. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

As a result, the university — the scientific body of the Arab Interior Ministers Council — made fighting economic crime one of its main priorities.

“We launched several master’s programs aimed at building capabilities in this field, the most important of which is the master’s program in financial integrity in cooperation with Case Western Reserve University in the US, which specifically aims to prepare experts in combating money fraud,” he said.

The university provides a master’s program in dealing with economic crimes, including corruption and financial fraud, and a master’s program in digital forensic investigation, which focuses on combating cybercrime and suspicious activities online. 

NAUSS also launched a new master’s program in artificial intelligence this year, Al-Banyan said.

“We are currently considering adding a new master’s program in forensic accounting, which aims to qualify accountants to detect fraudulent financial practices, and qualifies them to conduct detailed financial investigations and reviews,” he added.

The university signed a memorandum of understanding with the Presidency of State Security in 2016 as part of its efforts  to increase its work with key local and international partners.

“We strengthened our relations with the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), and today, we will witness the MoU signing on the sidelines of this forum,” he added. 

A panel session on ‘Enhancing Cross-Border Enforcement and Asset Recovery Mechanisms,’ on Wednesday in Riyadh. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

The university has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, establishing a joint center at its headquarters to support the international and Arab community in combating organized crime, corruption, and money laundering.

Experts highlighted that fighting economic and financial crimes is a complex task that requires clear national strategies and effective cross-border cooperation. 

Countries must work together to counter the threat posed by such crimes, which have the potential to severely damage economies and undermine financial systems. 

Hassan Mohamud, Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, told the forum that continuing conflict in Somalia has created a “complex money laundering landscape,” making international cooperation crucial for identifying and returning illicit funds.

Speaking during a panel session on “Enhancing Cross-Border Enforcement and Asset Recovery Mechanisms,” Mohamud said that judicial cooperation between countries, and the public and private sectors, is key to addressing these evolving issues.

“The need for sharing information on cross-border flows of money is important to combat money laundering effectively not just in Somalia, but globally,” he said.

In a keynote speech on “National Strategies: Risk Assessment in the Light of Rapidly Changing Realities,” Raed Radwan, head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission, said: “A national strategy directs efforts and resources fairly and effectively toward achieving specific goals to reduce financial crimes, and enhance integrity and transparency in the financial and economic system.”

He added that citizens have an important role to play in monitoring and reporting crimes, and raising awareness of likely threats.

“Reinforcement training is an awareness-raising activity usually supported by national strategies. It is not limited to employees, but should be available to citizens who wish to acquire knowledge to protect them and make them partners in combating these crimes,” he said.

National strategies also must include a continuous assessment of the risks surrounding financial crimes.

“This basis for evaluation can provide stakeholders with a view of the developments that perpetrators of financial crime can resort to or already resort to,” he said.

Radwan added that political and economic stability are key factors when it comes to halting the rise in financial crimes, which is evident in unstable countries. 

“Financial crimes erode trust, affect economic and financial systems, leading to instability in the market, decreased investments, and hindered economic growth, resulting in financial crises,” he said.

Combating corruption and financial crimes is not the task of institutions based on and mandated by law, but is a participatory community task in which various societal sectors participate, Radwan said.


Saudi designer unveils collection inspired by Jeddah’s Al-Balad

Updated 16 May 2024
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Saudi designer unveils collection inspired by Jeddah’s Al-Balad

  • Through this collection, we invite our guests to not just wear garments, but to immerse themselves in an experience of a journey through time, culture and elegance: Makram Marzuki

JEDDAH: Saudi designer Makram Marzuki, in collaboration with Al-Balad Hospitality, hosted a captivating trunk show at heritage hotel Beit Jokhdar in Al-Balad on May 14-15.

The event showcased Marzuki’s latest collection, which draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the historic district of Jeddah.

Marzuki’s latest show not only celebrated the beauty of Al-Balad but also offered a glimpse into the designer’s creative process and dedication to preserving Saudi heritage through contemporary fashion.

Speaking about the setting of the show, which emphasized telling the story beind the collection, Marzuki expressed his vision of creating a distinctive shopping experience that resonates with the history and essence of Al-Balad.

“Understanding the psychology of the Saudi woman who values luxury, we recognize her desire for more than just a generic store,” Marzuki said. 

“Our goal is to provide an engaging and enjoyable shopping experience where connections are forged and memories are made. Witnessing women greet each other warmly, sharing stories and embracing the fusion of old and new, reaffirms our belief in bringing the past into the future.”

Marzuki revealed that the collection, which features luxurious and refined pieces, is a reflection of the heritage and architectural elements of Al-Balad, such as the intricate designs of “rawasheen” or “roshan,” the patterned wooden frames on windows and balconies.

The designer highlighted the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into creating each garment, evoking a sense of quiet luxury that aligns with the ambiance of Beit Jokhdar.

“The trunk show and the hotel seamlessly blend together,” he said. “We aimed for an atmosphere of understated elegance, echoing the hotel’s over 100-year-old legacy.” 

The designer shared insights into the design process, adding that the collaboration with Samaher Bashammakh from the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts was instrumental in bringing the collection to life as well as ensuring that every detail harmonized with the concept of luxury.

“The result is an intimate and luxurious experience, similar to browsing through a woman’s own closet,” he said. “We wanted to create a space that felt personal, where guests could immerse themselves in the brand’s ethos of sophistication and refinement.”

A white dress crafted from a luxurious cotton-silk blend and adorned with lace details reminiscent of the graceful lines of the roshan exemplified the fusion of traditional elements with modern design, he said. “Through this collection, we invite our guests to not just wear garments, but to immerse themselves in an experience of a journey through time, culture and elegance.”

Speaking about his favorite piece, he said: “The challenge of translating the delicate intricacy of the roshan into velvet jacquard fabric was immense, but the result is truly breathtaking. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that went into every detail. This garment symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation, and it’s truly fantastic to see it come to life.”

Reflecting on the event, Marzuki emphasized the importance of storytelling in design and encouraged young designers to delve deep into their inspirations to create meaningful collections.

He hinted at a new collection set to launch in October, promising another showcase of exquisite craftsmanship and cultural references.