The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) has announced that the 2024 SGI Forum will take place on December 3-4, under the theme “Action is in our nature.” This year’s forum will coincide with the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which will be held in Riyadh from December 2-13. The conference will be the largest-ever UNCCD event, marking the first time it is hosted in the Middle East, and is the largest multilateral conference ever held in Saudi Arabia. The SGI Forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and experts from around the world at the dedicated SGI Pavilion within the UNCCD COP16 Green Zone.
The SGI Pavilion will host tailored sessions exploring best practices, innovations, and progress towards SGI targets, aiming to deepen collaboration and scale up climate action for a greener future. Since its inception, SGI has made significant strides, including the installation of over 4 GW of renewable energy capacity, the planting of more than 95 million trees and shrubs, and the rewilding of over 1,660 endangered animals across the Kingdom. Throughout COP16, the SGI Pavilion will be open to the public, offering an interactive journey through Saudi Arabia’s climate and environmental efforts. The 4,000 m² SGI Gallery will feature a multimedia showcase and a broad range of experts who will provide insights into more than 80 initiatives launched under the SGI framework. Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage with experts during the daily SGI Talks, an expert-led speaker series that was introduced in 2023.
Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, the Saudi Green Initiative aims to drive climate action at all levels of society and fulfill Saudi Arabia’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The initiative focuses on sustainability, environmental preservation, and combating climate change through various projects and initiatives. The SGI Forum serves as a platform to showcase the progress made under the initiative, share best practices, and engage with stakeholders from around the world to enhance collaboration and accelerate climate action. By hosting the forum alongside COP16, Saudi Arabia aims to amplify its commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
The SGI Pavilion at COP16 will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about Saudi Arabia’s efforts towards a greener future. The interactive displays and expert-led sessions will offer valuable insights into the initiatives launched under the SGI framework, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Visitors will have the chance to engage with experts, learn about innovative solutions, and contribute to the ongoing conversation on climate action. The SGI Gallery, with its multimedia showcase, will highlight the progress made in renewable energy, reforestation, and wildlife conservation, demonstrating the impact of the SGI initiatives on the environment and society.
As the largest multilateral conference ever held in Saudi Arabia, COP16 will provide a global platform for discussions on climate change, desertification, and sustainable development. The SGI Forum, held alongside COP16, will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions for addressing environmental challenges. By hosting the forum at the SGI Pavilion, Saudi Arabia aims to showcase its leadership in climate action and inspire other countries to take similar steps towards a sustainable future. The SGI Talks series will offer a platform for experts to share their insights and experiences, furthering the dialogue on climate change and promoting collaboration among different sectors to achieve common goals.
The SGI Forum at COP16 represents a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and driving global climate action. By engaging with policymakers, business leaders, and experts from around the world, Saudi Arabia aims to showcase its commitment to environmental sustainability and inspire others to join in the effort towards a greener future. The forum will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions, accelerating progress towards the SGI targets and contributing to the broader global efforts to combat climate change. Through collaboration and dedication, the SGI Forum at COP16 will further the cause of environmental preservation and sustainable development, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.
