In a recent session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 held in Davos, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Affairs Envoy, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, took the stage to discuss critical environmental issues facing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Demonstrating a forward-thinking approach, Al-Jubeir conveyed Saudi Arabia’s strategic plans to diversify its energy portfolio in response to the growing global need for sustainable energy sources. He articulated the Kingdom’s aspirations to lead as the foremost exporter of energy, expanding its scope beyond the traditional oil sector.
Al-Jubeir stressed Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance in the international arena, aiming to set benchmarks in environmental standards rather than merely adhering to existing ones. He pointed out the Kingdom’s earnest efforts to work in unison with other nations to curtail emissions and confront the pressing issue of climate change.
The comprehensive environmental strategy outlined by Al-Jubeir included Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to protect the planet and mitigate the effects of climate change. Among these initiatives are the implementation of a circular carbon economy, initiatives to increase green spaces through afforestation, urban redevelopment to enhance sustainability, and advancing recycling processes to manage waste effectively.