JEDDAH — The Saudi Green Initiative announced the launch of the third edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum on Dec. 4, in conjunction with the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 28) at Expo City, Dubai. The COP28 is scheduled to be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, marking a remarkable global initiative toward a greener future. The forum reflects the commitment of Saudi Arabia and its continuous efforts to support the global climate action agenda and take concrete action to address environmental challenges. The third edition of the forum is a continuation of the achievements of the first edition, which was held in Riyadh in 2021, during which the Kingdom's commitment to achieving zero neutrality by 2060 was revealed. The third edition also aims to build on the successes of last year's second edition, which was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in conjunction with the COP 27 Conference, during which important projects in the field of climate action were unveiled. These included the launch of the Knowledge Center for the Circular Carbon Economy, and the establishment of a regional center to promote efforts to reduce carbon emissions in cooperation With the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The third edition of the forum brings together a galaxy of influential global personalities, thought leaders and climate experts from around the world, with the aim of exchanging ideas and visions apart from discussing the best ways to efficiently confront climate challenges. In the year of the first global assessment of the extent of progress made in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, the forum will provide an important platform that contributes to supporting and strengthening global efforts to confront climate challenges. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman launched the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021 with the aim of activating the participation of all segments of society in the efforts of protecting climate and environment in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 related to building a more sustainable future for all. This initiative reflects the Kingdom's continuous commitment to addressing various environmental challenges facing the country, including high temperatures, low precipitation rates, sand storms, and desertification. Within the framework of the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom intends to plant 10 billion trees across the country over the coming decades, as well as to protect 30 percent of the total land and sea areas in the Kingdom by 2030. In addition, the Kingdom is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030. These national goals contribute to achieving the ambitious regional goals set by the Middle East Green Initiative, which was launched in 2021, and that focuses on removing 670 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, and planting 50 billion trees in the countries of the region.
