Riyadh (UNA/SPA) - Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir participated today in a dialogue session within the sessions of the Saudi Green Forum in its fourth edition, which coincides with the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) held in Riyadh.
He stressed that the Kingdom attaches great importance to enhancing international cooperation to address challenges related to the environment and climate change, based on its commitment to supporting international efforts to address the challenges of climate change and achieve sustainable development.
He explained that the Kingdom is an integral part of the world and has the same international challenges related to environmental issues, climate change, land degradation, and water resources management, stressing the Kingdom's keenness to preserve, reclaim, and develop its natural resources by all available means. He added that the Kingdom views land degradation not only from an environmental perspective, but also from a security perspective. It sees it as a global security challenge.
He reviewed the Kingdom's programs and initiatives related to environmental conservation, reducing land degradation and climate change, including its efforts to diversify its energy sources by utilizing renewable energy, so that 50% of its energy mix will be renewable energy by 2030, protecting 30% of its land and water area by 2030, and planting trees using modern technologies.
He pointed out that diversifying investment and committing to environmental protection is one of the main goals for achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This is what the National Strategy for the Sustainability of the Red Sea, which was launched by His Highness the Crown Prince, is based on.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member and Climate Affairs Envoy stressed the Red Sea’s regional and international status, importance and environmental advantages, noting that the Kingdom is working to enhance its use as a recreational destination and economic resource, while preserving its environmental sustainability as much as possible.
He concluded his speech by stressing that the Kingdom continues its efforts to develop the environment by establishing green parks and gardens, and launching pioneering initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, indicating that the Kingdom is among the countries that invest the most in reducing carbon emissions, with full commitment to the highest environmental standards, pointing to the importance of cooperation and coordination with the international community to achieve environmental sustainability goals.
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