Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Undersecretary General of the United Nations Inger Andersen in Riyadh on Sunday.

They discussed cooperation on climate action and joint efforts to advance the objectives of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. The two sides also discussed Saudi Arabia’s climate initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, as well as other efforts undertaken by the Kingdom to expand renewable energy and reduce emissions through the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) framework.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Energy and UNEP signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate under the Regional Cooperation for Emissions Reduction Initiative. The agreement aims to support MENA countries in achieving their climate goals by promoting clean energy technologies and developing relevant policy frameworks to advance climate action.

The MoU reflects shared goals to enhance resource efficiency and lower carbon emissions through a comprehensive, balanced and sustainable approach. Areas of cooperation include policy research and recommendations, partnerships with international organizations, participation in climate and CCE-related events, exchange of knowledge and best practices, and the development of climate policy frameworks, supported by regional and global climate networking activities.