RIYADH: Following an agreement between Saudi Arabia and the UN Environment Programme to expedite emissions reduction, nations in the Middle East and North Africa stand to gain from increased collaboration in renewable energy.
According to an official release, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed a memorandum of understanding in Riyadh that aims to assist MENA countries by promoting clean energy technologies, creating climate policy frameworks, and exchanging knowledge to promote sustainable development.
The program is in line with the Middle East Green Initiative, which was started by Saudi Arabia as a regional platform to fight climate change and cut emissions from petroleum extraction by more than 60% among member nations. When the project was initially launched in 2021, its goal was to reduce 670 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to 10% of the world’s nationally defined emissions reduction targets.
The MoU reflects common objectives to improve resource efficiency and reduce carbon emissions through a comprehensive, balanced, and sustainable approach, according to the ministry announcement. Cooperation areas include policy research and recommendations, collaborations with international organisations, involvement in climate and CCE-related events, sharing best practices and knowledge, and the creation of climate policy frameworks aided by regional and international climate networking initiatives.
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