Saudi Arabia launches the implementation phase of the Green Middle East initiative

Saudi Arabia is leading a historic shift in regional and international climate action through the Middle East Green Initiative , the world’s largest afforestation program. These efforts are part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainability and environmental protection, aiming to unify regional efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Strategic goals and global impact

The initiative aims to achieve a transformative shift by planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East, representing 5% of the global afforestation target. The plan includes planting 10 billion trees within Saudi Arabia, while the remaining 40 billion will be planted in neighboring and friendly countries in the region over the coming decades. This ambitious project is equivalent to reclaiming 200 million hectares of degraded land, directly contributing to a 2.5% reduction in global carbon emissions.

Economic and environmental challenges

The initiative derives its paramount importance from the challenging environmental realities facing the region; dust storms alone cause economic losses estimated at over $13 billion annually . Rising temperatures and deteriorating vegetation cover threaten livelihoods and exacerbate extreme weather events such as droughts and flash floods. Therefore, the initiative aims to establish green infrastructure that contributes to improving quality of life, creating new job opportunities in green economy sectors, and protecting biodiversity.

The initiative's journey from establishment to implementation

Since its launch, the initiative has passed through pivotal milestones that reflect the Kingdom's serious commitment:

• Riyadh Summit 2021: The Kingdom hosted the first summit that formed the first regional climate dialogue with the participation of leaders from 28 countries, where a unified roadmap was agreed upon.
• Sharm El Sheikh Summit 2022: The second edition was held in conjunction with the Climate Conference (COP27) under joint Saudi-Egyptian chairmanship, to promote international coordination.
• The Ministerial Council in Jeddah: Jeddah witnessed intensive meetings to develop governance frameworks, including the approval of the initiative's charter and the establishment of the General Secretariat in Riyadh.

A new phase begins in Jeddah

In a move that paves the way for transitioning from planning to fieldwork, Jeddah will host the second session of the Ministerial Council of the Middle East Green Initiative on January 29. This pivotal event will bring together 31 regional countries from Asia and Africa, as well as international organizations and observer states such as the United Kingdom.

The meeting is expected to produce decisive resolutions that will launch implementation phase , including the launch of financing projects and technical support mechanisms for member states. These steps underscore the Kingdom's and member states' commitment to fulfilling their climate pledges and transforming the region from a hotspot for environmental challenges into a global model for sustainable development and a green economy.