Affiliated Event Closed
The events will provide an overview of carbon pricing and international compliance, voluntary carbon markets, and a deep dive into Article 6.4 mechanisms and Article 6.2 cooperative approaches. The events will bring together representatives of CDM and Article 6.4 National Designated Authorities (DNA) and carbon market experts from the middle east and south Asia region that will exchange views, share experience, and bring forward common challenges and issues related to carbon pricing and operationalization of the Article 6.4 mechanism. Link
The objective of this meeting is to foster coherence and a collaborative approach towards region-wide and transboundary adaptation action and support, by bringing together and facilitating an exchange among regional organizations, development banks, and other key stakeholders for working together to step up adaptation in the region. The meeting will serve as a platform to deepen participants' understanding of the challenges and opportunities in advancing the coherent implementation of adaptation action toward a resilient future. Link
MENACW 2023 Global Event
Official opening of the MENA Climate Week featuring HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Egypt; Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP 28 President Designate; and Mr. Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary.
Action Hub
Sharing knowledge across stakeholders is crucial for the future of sustainable cooling. Skilled workforces will be needed to drive the upscaling of sustainable cooling practices. Learning new skills in shared, regional experiences helps to foster innovation in design and technologies, contributes to the widespread understanding of the economic benefits of sustainable cooling, and supports effective implementation of policies and regulations that contribute to national and international climate targets. Cool Up's theoretical and practical skills training brings together stakeholders in industry, policy, and finance from across our partner countries. Proposed agenda: - Introduction of Cool Up programme by video - Mentimeter survey involves audience - Engaging TED-talk style speech on Cool Ups trainings and capacity building showing how the programme is a regional multiplicator of trained personnel in sustainable cooling - Video of testimonial sharing experience in the training - Wrap up and Q&A
High-Level Session
Government of Saudi Arabia
This session will enable an exchange on insights, experiences, and best practices, and international cooperation towards accelerating energy transitions in a just, inclusive, equitable and affordable manner. Ministers will shed light on unique circumstances and challenges, as well as the opportunities that exist, including unique approaches, solutions, technologies and strategies towards just energy transitions, in areas including but not limited to renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen, CCS, and removal technologies. The panel shall also discuss key best practices that may be duplicated and the needed R&D, innovation and international collaboration to enable national implementation.
Speakers:
- HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, Saudi Arabia
- HE Hayan Abdulghani AlSawad, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Iraq
- HE Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, UAE
- Hon’ble Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, India
- Moderator: Fahad Alajlan, President, KAPSARC
Action Hub
The solar PV plant developed by AMEA Power will bring about significant positive effects on the local community, beyond just the introduction of renewable energy. As an integral aspect of their project investment, AMEA Power undertook complementary initiatives to guarantee a beneficial influence on the local community. These initiatives encompass the construction of schools and the establishment of training centers, the facilitation of job opportunities through factory construction, the upgrading of water pumps to ensure access to clean drinking water, and the introduction of internship programs for local students. These corporate social responsibility (CSR) undertakings presented AMEA Power with the chance to enhance the value of the carbon credits. Notably, 50% of these credits are owned by the state, and the proceeds are reinvested into project company which is supporting the local community to sustain ongoing development efforts and funding their needs.
High-Level Session
Government of Saudi Arabia
This panel aims to explore and promote innovative financing solutions to accelerate climate action and sustainable development in the region. It shall discuss and showcase financing strategies and mechanisms that can mobilize funds for climate action and development projects in the MENA region and identify successful case studies, financial instruments, non-pricing approaches and partnerships that can attract investment and facilitate sustainable growth while mitigating climate impacts. It shall also explore opportunities for regional and international collaboration to foster partnerships with international financial institutions, climate funds, and governments to leverage additional support and expertise for scaling up climate action and development in the MENA region. Speakers:
- Dr. Saad bin Hamad bin Nasser Al-Barrak, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Oil, Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Acting Minister of Finance, Kuwait
- Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Dainah, Bahrain’s Special Envoy for Climate Affairs
- Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Algeria
- Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank
- Razan Almubarak, COP28 Climate Champion
- Moderator: Maria Aljishi, International Policy Advisor, Designated National Authority
Action Hub
Find out more about the fascinating realm of mangroves by attending our immersive event, "Mangrove Marvels: Embracing Nature's Resilience." Join us for a tour of the sensitive mangrove environment, where the water and land coexist. Discover the mysteries of these unique coastal environments as seasoned naturalists reveal them, highlighting their critical function in preserving coastlines, biodiversity, and climate control. However, to learn about mangrove conservation and sustainable techniques that guarantee their preservation for future generations via interesting seminars and interactive displays. Learn the value of mangroves as carbon sinks and important marine life nannies. Join the cause to save these natural beauties and see nature's unique resiliency. Let's honour and protect these ecological treasures together!
Plastic products in human life have many advantages and importance, and people deal in their daily lives with many plastic products because they meet the necessary needs of humans. Plastic also contributes to the development of many sectors and is an essential element in the manufacture of many products related to health, transportation, and others. The world has faced a challenge in the accumulation of plastic waste that stems from wrong behaviors and poor disposal of this waste. It ends up in landfills, public parks, on the sides of the roads, and even in bodies of water. As a result, pollution occurs, which is called plastic pollution, which is the accumulation of plastic materials to a large extent. Very much in the environment, which leads to harm to the lives of various living organisms as well as humans Water bottles are considered one of the largest sources of pollution, as the United States is the largest consumer of water bottles, and China has joined it, as every year billions of plastic bottles are produced and purchased in the People’s Republic of China alone. In the face of the increasing demand for water bottled in plastic bottles, the “mountains” of waste that need to be recycled are increasing. Environmental waste management can reduce the risks of plastic pollution caused by irresponsible consumption of plastic products. This campaign aims to increase public awareness of the irresponsible use of plastic materials, in particular plastic bottles, and to encourage practical solutions for recycling.
High-Level Session
Government of Saudi Arabia
The session will seek to raise awareness on the urgent need for adaptation to climate impacts in the MENA region, including the unique vulnerabilities of the region and emphasizing the critical role of adaptation in achieving sustainable development. It shall reflect on the global goal on adaptation framework and its role in enhancing the adaptive capacity of MENA countries. It will also facilitate a comprehensive discussion on the challenges, opportunities, best practices and initiatives to enable greater regional collaboration on adaptation. Speakers:
- Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy of Saudi Arabia
- Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of Egypt Shauna Aminath, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Technology of Maldives
- Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE
- Dr. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary, UN ESCWA
- Moderator: Dr. Noura Al-Mansouri, Research Fellow, KAPSARC
Action Hub
MENA region is heating up at Twice the rate as other global regions (WEF report). Urbanization is hence, the most crucial aspect of city planning, taking a holistic approach towards shaping cities for the future, placing people at the core of every decision. The U S Green Building Council and GBCI MENA have worked with nearly 25,000 sq km of development under the LEED for Cities and Communities program, to help giga projects achieve their sustainability goals, remaining resilient and inclusive for future generations.
Affiliated Event
High-Level Session
Government of Saudi Arabia
The GST regional dialogue at the MENA Climate Week will bring together policy makers, key stakeholders and partners to discuss key messages from the region with a view to shaping the GST outcome. The dialogue will further serve as a platform to discuss the challenges, barriers, solutions and opportunities for enhancing climate action and support within the context of MENA and for enhancing international cooperation. Keynotes from Ministers/High-Level Interventions on key challenges, opportunities, and political messages for the GST:
- HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia
- Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Egypt COP27
- President Dr. Sultan AlJaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE, COP28 President
- Hon’ble Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, India
- Mona Ali, Higher Commission of Environment and Natural Resources, Sudan
- Borge Brende, President, World Economic Forum
- Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum
Panel discussion to reflect on views, followed by a moderated Q&A: Enhanced climate action and support in MENA:
- Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Ambassador Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta, Chair of the G77 & China, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations
- Khalid Abuleif, Senior Advisor to HRH Minister of Energy, Chief Climate Negotiator, Saudi Arabia
- Adnan Amin, CEO of COP28
Action Hub
This will take the form of a dynamic interview detailing the main elements of the Saudi Green Initiative as part of overall efforts of vegetation cover development and combating desertification, which is accelerating under climate change. An interactive discussion between the CEO of the NCVCD and the head of FAO’s representation in Saudi Arabia will cover the rationale and benefits of tree planting for the Kingdom, initial results, the innovations that may have Arab regional relevance for scaling up, and the contributions of increased vegetation cover for ecosystems-based adaptation.
Affiliated Event
The objective of the Youth-Affiliated Event is to create a platform for youth to get together and discuss opportunities to enhance meaningful youth engagement and participation in climate policymaking and action in the MENA region through various events. The Youth-Affiliated Event will be delivered in various segments, including an intergenerational dialogue, a Youth Stocktake, capacity-building sessions and a networking session. The detailed programme can be accessed here: https://unfccc.int/topics/education-youth/youth/youth-affiliated-event-2023#MENA2023 The Intergenerational Dialogues will provide an opportunity to discuss challenges, opportunities and best practices in addressing meaningful youth engagement and participation in the MENA region.
Action Hub
SWCC today is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, and works tirelessly by implementing strategies and adopting advanced concepts to reach carbon neutrality by 2060. Some of the most important examples that SWCC applies today to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to combating climate change are: switching to environmentally friendly reverse osmosis technologies, applying and adopting carbon capture and utilization techniques, reusing carbon ash that result from water desalination processes, adopting renewable energy technologies in our operations, and our commitment to afforestation and engraving this practice in the local community. By using innovation as a driving force, we ensure that every step and stage of our operations is of maximum efficiency and the lowest possible environmental impact. These methods not only make us a leading contributor to meeting the global need for clean water, but also make us key and active participants in supporting all national, regional and global efforts in combating climate change.
Regional Events
Side Event
The concurrent Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement and Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework offers a unique opportunity to strengthen synergies between these global agendas. Cities offer a convergence point to advance such synergies. The side event, convened by UNDRR and IOM, will gather selected cities from the MENA region, participating in the Making Cities Resilient 2030 programme, a multi-year initiative that has the commitment of over 4000 cities to build local resilience. These cities will join governments and stakeholders to discuss integrated planning, bolster local capacities in managing current risks and prevent future ones amidst climate change and rapid urbanization. The objective is to foster meaningful discussions and innovative strategies for enhancing city resilience, promote city-to-city learning, and contribute to the Urban Resilience Declaration, to be announced at COP28. Key topics include the impact of displacement on communities, data, and risk governance, private sector partnerships, and climate action in urban contexts.
With 70% of NDCs as ocean inclusive and increased marine conservation in the MENA, most coastal states still lack the basic resources and capabilities needed to monitor and regulate their maritime domains. Unfortunately, higher temperatures and ocean acidity caused by carbon emissions, when combined with criminal and illegal activities at sea, have a higher detrimental impact on ocean life and marine ecosystem climate resilience. In response, this event highlights innovative partnerships and technologies for enforcing the rule at sea and promoting ocean-based climate action. Building on COP26/27 biodiversity and ocean commitments, the event will discuss innovative approaches and technologies and their role in detecting and monitoring illegal and criminal activities at sea and their impact on ocean degradation. From the application of AI for tracking IUUF boats in Lebanon to the use of Satellite Imagery for detecting oil slicks from commercial ships in Tunisia, the event will highlight the power of high-tech solutions to deter environmental crime at sea.
The event aims to shed light on the pivotal role played by the waste management sector in achieving sustainability by introducing the concept of Waste to Zero: The Global Initiative for Waste Decarbonization, endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to be presented at COP28 this year. [This first-in-history voluntary coalition strives for sector emission reduction to net-zero and supports circular economy implementation, in all regions including MENA.] The event intends to present the COP28 Initiative to the entire value chain present at MENACW2023 – Governments, international institutions, financial entities, waste management providers, waste producers, waste pickers, NGOs, and academia – to build a large coalition of endorsing bodies before the official launching at COP28. The session will focus on the rationale presentation, as well as highlighting potential bridges with existing initiatives eg. UNHLC initiative on Open burning (2022). In line with the COP28 Presidency's focus, the Initiative’s first ambition is to conduct a first assessment of the sector’s environmental footprint and, by COP30, to set an industry-backed decarbonization pathway with first projects to implement. The session will therefore highlight the need to collectively work together towards achieving this ambition. The event will be co-hosted by national institutions and leading global and regional private sector institutions, highlighting the importance of partnership and private sector engagement into climate action.
The objective of this one-hour workshop is to raise awareness and deepen participants' understanding of renewable energy technologies, their environmental impact, policy and regulatory frameworks, and the challenges associated with smart energy systems integration. The workshop aims to empower attendees with the knowledge to contribute towards a sustainable future by embracing renewable energy solutions and advocating for effective energy policies and practices.
High-Level Session
A closed ministerial roundtable on climate change will be convened on the margins of the MENA Climate Week in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The meeting will convene Climate Ministers from the GCC member countries to encourage dialogue and foster collaboration for robust, inclusive, pragmatic, and sustainable solutions to address climate change and achieve our climate ambitions, in the build-up to COP28.
Action Hub
The kingdom has one of the youngest delegations in the multilateral process. In this panel, we have several youth members of the delegation, share experiences, perspectives and pathway forward.
Regional Events
Action Hub
Please allow us to introduce ourselves; we are a team of educators who hold Model United Nations Conferences. We would like to do an Annual Conference for students (Middle and High Schoolers, at every MENA Climate week, starting with this year! We currently students hold our MUN Conferences in countries such as the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Some video (brief) links to our past conferences:
- Global Leaders MUN 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDudE432CPI
- Environment MUN December 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iN8VaaMNo4
- FutureMUN 2019 https://youtu.be/wMVc5csm2LA
- Leadership and Lifeskills2019 https://youtu.be/2t1-o_jhlwA
- EnvironmentMUN 2018 http://youtu.be/yuuc5H92R6s
- CanterburyMUN2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Fsg-JJcro
- Middle East MUN – AUS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5L_eFgmrg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzHhnDxU45I
- Cambridge University International MUN 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sl1bW6iL_s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4XW_oAs2Hs
- EnvironmentMUN 2017 – Switzerland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds676tjHb2Q
Our wealth of experience includes both Public and Private Schools. Please help us make this an annual hybrid event, with students attending locally, in person and internationally virtually!
Side Event
Geothermal resources development presents a unique opportunity to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as diversify the energy mix. Geothermal resources can be used for both power generation and heating/cooling applications at large scale, and do not get affected by the intermittency issues associated with solar and wind energy. Once properly scaled up, geothermal energy and new technology related to tapping into the natural heat of the earth will advance enough to allow for development of geothermal power in non-traditional “ring of fire” countries around the world. Saudi Arabia has conducted numerous studies along the Western Arabian Shield and the Central Harrat Rahat volcanic fields to assess their geothermal development potential. The time is now ripe to evaluate these locations to assess their scalability to commercial level and how these resources can be used for power generation and heating/cooling sources.
The event will showcase Saida's journey towards a sustainable and resilient city. Lebanon generally – and Saida specifically – is subject to climate changes such as increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, and an accumulation of extreme weather events leading to the degradation of beaches and loss of ecological habitats. With a focus on the CoP28 Presidency’s adaptation goal, the event will raise awareness about the importance of sustainable city planning in addressing climate change. It will emphasize the role of cities in advancing sustainability and climate action and will serve to mobilise climate finance for similar efforts. The “Saida as an Environmentally Sustainable City” Initiative includes on 8 environmental workstreams: Built-up Environment, Energy Consumption, Atmosphere, Waste, Water, Marine Environment and Coastal Resources, Biodiversity and Land. These workstreams outline key challenges as well as opportunities within each sector to aid in the prioritisation of adaptation needs.
Globally, use of technology in farming enterprises is extremely diverse. In most regions, the use of new agronomic and genetic technologies, soil characteristics and climate conditions control current and future crop yields. Starting around 1950, continued improvements in genetic yield potential and stress tolerance plus increased adoption of nitrogen fertilizer, chemical pesticides, agricultural mechanization, and overall improved soil and crop management practices has greatly increased productivity in large commercial farms. However, small farmers have lagged behind with much lower and often stagnant productivity. As the climate changes, the existing varieties, agronomic approaches and protocols become increasingly out of date. Explicitly considering the needs of small farmers when planning agriculture interventions should allow more realistic and inclusive technologies, that can inform the complex choices of small farmers on which crops, inputs and investment they plan on making on their land. Climate-adaptive solutions are needed that link financial services, climate adaptation and resilience to weather extremes. In this session we will explore the relationship between small farmer’s climate adaptation and mobilizing finance and other services. We will present gender-based small farmers production and income enhancement using geospatial digital mapping and geographic information via satellites, surveillance, and location-based technology. We will discuss how to promote partnerships focused on field digitalization, drought-resistant crops, climate-smart agricultural practices, solar energy for irrigation, micro-saving, early warning systems, training, and climate-resistant products. The experience of farmers in Yemen, Sudan, and Mauritania will be presented.
MBRSG and KAPSARC
Through the lenses of the Arab Region Sustainable Development Goals Index and the Circular Carbon Economy Index, this event examines the MENA region's sustainable development and carbon circularity transition implementation, highlighting areas of progress and gaps, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. The concepts of sustainable development and circular carbon economy share a focus on tackling environmental issues while simultaneously advancing economic and social wellbeing. Therefore, the event draws on regional commonalities and complementarities to examine challenges and opportunities related to just transitions and social aspects of sustainable development. Equipped with data-driven insights from the two indices developed by research institutions from the region, the event offers policy recommendations geared towards achieving just and sustainable transitions in the Middle East and North Africa.
This session will discuss the opportunity of reimagining philanthropy’s role in addressing climate change, progressing climate resilience, and deploying the catalytic risk tolerant capital needed to limit warming to 1.5 °C. The discussion will review actionable approaches to creating successful public-private-philanthropic partnerships, investable climate action projects, and tangible options to untap the power of philanthropy for climate action in the MENA region.
Microalgae represents a sustainable and transformative market alternative for animal feed protein, particularly significant in a nation like Saudi Arabia that currently imports 100% of its livestock feed ingredients due to the challenges posed by the desert environment. By 2030, Saudi Arabia's demand for over 13 million tons of animal feed necessitates an ambitious goal—to replace 100% of these imported raw materials with locally produced microalgae and seaweeds. Notably, this endeavor extends beyond Saudi Arabia, with the potential to address similar challenges faced by nearly all MENA countries and contribute to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. This innovative journey is a testament to collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and KAUST, as they have boldly invested in groundbreaking algae and aquaculture research and development. Successful trials of a 1000 m2 algae plant, developed by KAUST Beacon Development using Red Sea water, have paved the way for the recent inauguration of a sprawling four-hectare algae and aquaculture facility. In a visionary plan to scale up to a 100,000-hectare algae facility, the capacity to sequester an astonishing 6,700,000 tons of CO2 annually, making a substantial contribution to mitigating climate change while advancing sustainable agriculture. UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action As our esteemed speakers will discuss, this emerging industry harnesses Saudi Arabia's abundant natural resources, including abundant sunshine, accessible CO2, the pristine Red Sea, and vast flat land. Beyond addressing food security, microalgae offer a multitude of benefits. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the potential of Spirulina, a type of microalgae, for promoting good health and wellbeing, given its richness in protein, iron, and essential nutrients. Join us as we explore the immense potential of microalgae in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region, addressing critical UN Sustainable Development Goals along the way, and forging a path towards a sustainable and prosperous future while making a significant impact on global climate action.
Regional Events
Action Hub
Proposed by GPCA and aims to showcase the case studies and efforts done by the youth and the chemical and petrochemical industry towards their net-zero carbon target.
Side Event
As the world is looking towards COP28 and the first Global Stocktake (GST) of Paris Agreement, fast-tracking global actions towards energy transition remains a key challenge, with the lack of reporting and data standardisation on climate-related financial information. NDCs and NAPAs remain particularly difficult to implement because of challenges in the valuation and monetisation of costs, benefits and returns at the local level. ICLEl Local Governments for Sustainability will showcase ICLE-CDP Track as one of the world’s leading climate reporting platforms and progress accountability mechanism, helping cities measures their progress on global Climate campaigns such as Race to Zero and Race to Resilience, brigning them with businesses and investors together to create a zero-carbon and resilient future. Climate reporting for Urban Resilience Pathways can help incorporate climate-related risks and opportunities into cities urban risk management, strategic planning and decision-making processes, and achieve their targets towards climate neutrality and just transition.