Nesma joins forces with NetZero for tree-planting initiative

The signing ceremony was held during COP16 in Riyadh.
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Updated 21 December 2024
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Nesma joins forces with NetZero for tree-planting initiative

Nesma and Partners signed a landmark agreement with NetZero, a mission-driven company specializing in environmental and social sustainability solutions, during the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties, or COP16 in Riyadh.

The conference — a global event dedicated to combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and promoting sustainable land management — brought together governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, civil society, and scientists from around the world.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, and in the presence of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the agreement supports the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Over the next five years, the Smart Tree Planting Initiative will plant 200,000 trees across the Kingdom, with an annual target of 40,000 trees. This project aims to absorb 22,000 tonnes of CO, promote biodiversity, and expand vegetation cover. Supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, it addresses critical environmental challenges such as desertification and climate change while enhancing the Kingdom’s natural landscape.

President and CEO of Nesma and Partners Samer Abdul Samad said: “We are proud to play a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s green initiatives. This partnership goes beyond tree planting; it is about developing sustainable solutions that ensure a lasting environmental legacy. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering sustainable practices, we significantly reduce environmental impact and promote a greener future for all.”

The project integrates advanced technologies to transform environmental conservation through three innovative platforms. TreeLog provides comprehensive tree data collection and ecological benefit analysis. TreeMap offers a geospatial tracking system with precise location and impact insights, while TreeWallet enables personal engagement by allowing individuals to gift, name, and track trees. These integrated technologies transform ecological restoration into a transparent, measurable, and personally meaningful experience.


Schneider Electric launches academy in Saudi Arabia to build future-ready talent

Updated 04 February 2026
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Schneider Electric launches academy in Saudi Arabia to build future-ready talent

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of the Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa in Saudi Arabia, a regional capability platform dedicated to skilling, upskilling, and knowledge sharing.

The launch comes at a critical moment as the Kingdom accelerates energy transition, industrial localization, and human capability development under Vision 2030. The academy reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership role in building future-ready talent while supporting industrial and energy transformation across the wider Middle East and Africa region.

The Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa is not a traditional training center; it is a regional platform translating Schneider Electric’s global energy technology expertise into applied capability for Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Anchored in Riyadh, the academy is designed to serve as a benchmark for skills development and enablement across the MEA.

The launch reflects Schneider Electric’s long-term commitment to investing in people and capabilities, and to supporting national priorities across energy, industry, and digital infrastructure.

Mohamed Shaheen, cluster president of Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia and Yemen, said: “This launch reflects our long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and to building capability that lasts. After more than 40 years in the Kingdom, we continue to invest where impact matters most: in people. Launching the Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa from Riyadh underscores our belief that sustainable transformation is built on local capability and trusted partnerships.”

The academy directly supports Saudi Arabia’s focus on human capability development, localization, and Saudi-made outcomes by enabling the skills behind advanced energy systems, industrial automation, and digital infrastructure. Capabilities developed through the academy will support Saudi manufacturing, national projects, and resilient supply chains, while also strengthening regional industrial ecosystems.

“The Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa is designed to enable real outcomes,” said Walid Sheta, zone president for the MEA at Schneider Electric. “By equipping talent with future-ready skills across electrification, automation, and digital intelligence, we are strengthening Saudi and regional capability to design, operate, and lead the energy and industrial systems of the future.”

The launch event in Riyadh brought together senior government representatives, industry partners, customers, and Schneider Electric’s leadership, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in aligning education, skills development, and labor market needs.

Designed as a long-term platform, the Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa will continue to evolve through partnerships, programs, and continuous capability development, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional hub for skills, knowledge, and industrial enablement.