The MENA Climate Week kicked off in Riyadh on October 8, drawing attention to the transformative role of technology in advancing environmental progress.
The MENA Climate Week, a pivotal event in the fight against climate change, kicked off in Riyadh on October 8, drawing attention to the transformative role of technology in advancing environmental progress. As the event unfolds, experts are advocating for an inclusive approach to ensure a seamless energy transition.
This gathering, slated to run until October 12, sets the stage for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, scheduled to convene in Dubai later this year. Nations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are leveraging cutting-edge techniques to combat climate change, though economic constraints pose challenges to the swift adoption of eco-friendly practices in certain regions.
Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, stressed the importance of an inclusive transition, asserting, “We need to make sure that transition doesn’t leave anyone behind.” This sentiment was echoed by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable growth, emphasizing that effective climate action aligns with a nation’s broader aspirations.
Joseph McMonigle, Secretary-General of the International Energy Forum, lauded the MENA region’s unwavering dedication to progress, noting its leadership role in implementing interventions.
A panel of distinguished industry experts, including representatives from UN Climate Change, Cuban Ambassador Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta, and Saudi Ministry of Energy Sustainability Adviser Khalid Abuleif, discussed future sustainability prospects. Adnan Amin, CEO of COP28, and Sherif Abd El Rahim, Head of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment in Egypt, also contributed their insights.
The panelists acknowledged the remarkable strides made by several regional countries in technology and economics. However, they also highlighted existing gaps and emphasized the urgency of developing coping strategies to address the rapidly intensifying crisis.
MENA Climate Week 2023 serves as a platform for engaging environmental and climate experts with high-level decision-makers, fostering discussions on opportunities within the global climate landscape.
Furthermore, the event enables Saudi Arabia to refine its strategies for transitioning to cleaner energy sources. As the week progresses, the focus on technological innovation as a catalyst for inclusive energy transition remains at the forefront, underscoring the imperative to forge a sustainable and equitable future for all.