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Action is in our nature

A whole-of-society effort to accelerate progress

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SGI Forum returns to Riyadh for the first time since its launch in 2021, taking place over two days on December 3-4 alongside UNCCD COP16.

SGI FORUM – 3-4 DECEMBER

The fourth edition of Saudi Arabia’s flagship climate action event will convene policy makers, business leaders and subject matter experts from across the world to deepen collaboration and scale up action for a greener future.

SGI GALLERY - 5-13 DECEMBER

The SGI Gallery will be open for the duration of UNCCD COP16, featuring a 4,000 m² SGI Pavilion showcasing the range of initiatives and projects being championed across the Kingdom.

SGI TALKS - 5-13 DECEMBER

Returning after its launch at COP28, this daily expert-led series in the SGI Gallery will feature international and Saudi climate experts, offering insights and discussions on key sustainability trends.

SGI Forum 2024 Program

A closer look at this year’s program

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The SGI Forum 2024 will cover a number of key sustainability themes, from restoring land and advancing clean energy solutions to scaling climate finance and protecting biodiversity.

GREENING LAND FOR GLOBAL GOOD

Restoring degraded land helps combat climate change and supports communities that depend on it. The Forum will explore lessons from large-scale greening initiatives, including Saudi Arabia’s 10 billion tree target, and examine the connection between ecosystems and desertification.

ENERGY INNOVATION DRIVING EMISSIONS REDUCTION

Clean energy technologies, such as Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) and Carbon Capture (CCUS), are key to reducing emissions. Discussions will focus on scaling these solutions and ensuring a just energy transition that meets global energy needs.

FINANCING THE GREEN TRANSITION FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

Innovative financing, like green bonds and adaptation finance, is critical for tackling challenges such as desertification and biodiversity loss. The Forum will explore how these mechanisms can build resilience and support sustainable livelihoods.

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR CLIMATE AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Nature-based solutions, including ecosystem restoration and carbon sinks, can combat climate change while benefiting communities. The Forum will examine how these approaches enhance resilience, food security, and livelihoods.

BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION: A KEY TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Protecting biodiversity is vital for healthy ecosystems and climate resilience. The Forum will highlight global efforts, including Saudi Arabia’s reserves, and explore how preserving habitats supports communities and prevents ecosystem collapse.

Key local speakers

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H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman

Minister of Energy

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H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Member of the Saudi Council of Ministers & Envoy for Climate Affairs

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H.E. Bandar Ibrahim AlKhorayef

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources

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H.E. Eng. Khalid Abulaziz AlFalih

Minister of Investment

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H.E. Majed bin Abdullah AlHogail

Minister of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing

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Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi

Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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H.E. Prof. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi

President, Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA)

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Amin Nasser

President & CEO, Saudi Aramco

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Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh

CEO & Executive Member, Board of Directors, SABIC

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Dr. Osama Faqeeha

Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture

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H.E. Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki

President, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)

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Dr. Khaled Alabdulkader

CEO, National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification

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Dr. Mohammed Qurban

CEO, National Center for Wildlife

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Maria Aljeshi

Director of Technical Affairs, Clean Development Mechanism Designated National Authority

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Eng. Mohammed AlShaalan

CEO, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve

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Dr. Khalid bin Muhammad Jamil Asfahani

CEO, General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)

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H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud

CEO, KBW Ventures

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Wesam Alghamdi

CEO, NEOM Green Hydrogen Company

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Mohammed Albalaihed

Head, Energy & Utilities, MENA Investments, Public Investment Fund

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Mashael AlShalan

Co-Founder, Aeon Collective

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Hashem Alfawaz

Vice President, Economic Affairs, Environment Fund

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Eng. Ekram Santaly

Supply Chain Localization Specialist, Ministry of Energy

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Reema Alashgar

Clean Cooking Initiative Manager, Forward7

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Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa

President, OPEC Fund

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Hala Alobaidallah

Senior Carbon Management Engineer, Ministry of Energy

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Kholoud Alotaibi

Clean Hydrogen Analyst, Ministry of Energy

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Mohammed Ayoub

Lead Climate Finance Negotiator & Senior Climate Policy Specialist, Ministry of Energy

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Aljawhara Al Quayid

Lead, Climate & Sustainability Program, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center

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Eng. Ali bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi

National Center for Environmental Compliance

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Dr. Malak Noury

Ministry of Energy

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Nasser Al Ghamdi

Director General, Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC)

International speakers

Macky Sall

4th President, Republic of Senegal

Francesco La Camera

Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Patrick Pouyanné

CEO & Chairman of the Board, TotalEnergies

Dr. Kakoli Ghosh

CEO, Sustainable Rural Agriculture Development Progamme, FAO

Francois Jackow

CEO, Air Liquide

Dr. Angela Wilkinson

Secretary General & CEO, World Energy Council

Dr. Grethel Aguilar

Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

John Pagano

Group CEO, Red Sea Global

Dr. Musonda Mumba

Secretary General, Convention on Wetlands

Sanjiv Lamba

CEO, Linde

Dr. Christoph Gebald

Co-CEO & co-founder, Climeworks

Ben Jeffreys

CEO & Co-Founder, ATEC Global

Florent Baarsch

Founder & CEO, finres

Donnel Baird

Founder, BlocPower

Peter Scott

Founder & CEO, BURN

Patrick Huber

Board Member, MorGen Energy AG

Rachel Kyte

UK Special Representative on Climate

Mr. Robert Wilt

CEO , Ma'aden

H.E. Mukhtar Babayev

Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources & COP29 President-Designate, Republic of Azerbaijan

SGI Talks

An expert-led speaker series

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Returning after its launch at COP28, this daily expert-led series in the SGI Gallery will feature international and Saudi climate experts, offering insights and discussions on key sustainability trends.

The 30-minute sessions will be held from 5-13 December at 3:00pm within the SGI Gallery, inside UNCCD COP16’s Green Zone.

SGI Gallery

Meet the specialists from across the Kingdom

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Displaying the breadth and depth of climate action initiatives taking place across Saudi Arabia, the SGI Gallery will showcase current initiatives being conducted under SGI, with insight on the entities, SMEs, and individuals behind the efforts.

Visitors to the SGI Gallery will be taken on an engaging interactive journey that is organized around five zones that highlight Saudi Arabia’s approach to Reducing Emissions, Growing 10 Billion Trees, Protecting Nature, Promoting Sustainability, and building a Sustainable Future. To finish the journey, the SGI Pavilion this year adds a Kids Zone, created to inspire Saudi Arabia’s youth to become environmental heroes.

Key updates and announcements

Fourth Edition of Saudi Green Initiative Forum to be Hosted in UNCCD COP16 Green Zone in Riyadh this December
  • Announcements
  • Events
  • SGI Forum

Fourth Edition of Saudi Green Initiative Forum to be Hosted in UNCCD COP16 Green Zone in Riyadh this December

13 October 2024 Read More
Saudi Arabia advances climate action at the 2024 SGI Forum
  • Announcements
  • Highlights
  • Marine protection
  • Land protection
  • SGI Forum
  • Events
  • Emissions Reduction
  • Greening Saudi

Saudi Arabia advances climate action at the 2024 SGI Forum

03 December 2024 Read More

Frequently asked questions

What is the SGI Forum?

Held annually under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the SGI Forum is a convening platform for climate leaders to discuss best practice, highlight innovation, evaluate progress against national targets and drive forward substantive action in the race against climate change.

How can I keep up-to-date on all the things happening during SGI Forum and in the SGI Gallery?

You can stay up-to-date on all SGI Forum and SGI Gallery activities by visiting the official website and following SGI’s social media channels for the latest information on speakers, programming, and daily highlights.

Is the SGI Gallery open to the public?

The SGI Gallery will be open to anyone with UNCCD COP16 Green Zone access. Visit COP16 website to register: UNCCD COP16

What are the SGI Talks?

SGI Talks is a daily speaker series at the SGI Gallery throughout UNCCD COP16 (except on December 3-4 during the SGI Forum). The sessions cover major sustainability trends and are open to those with access to the UNCCD COP16 Green Zone.

Will the SGI Forum and SGI Talks be livestreamed?

Yes. The SGI Forum will be livestreamed. Virtual participants will be able to follow the day’s program via the SGI website and social channels.

SGI Forum will be live streamed on Saudi Green Initiative YouTube channel

Where can I find out more about SGI initiatives?

Over 80 initiatives across Saudi Arabia are currently ongoing under SGI. Explore SGI initiatives 

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