Today the forty-third session of the Executive Board of the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) took place in Riyadh. Delegations from several Arab countries participated in the session.
In his remarks the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen AlFadley confirmed that the Arab World faces grave environmental challenges because 90% of its environment is in semi-arid, dry, and sub-humid areas. He called for solidarity to find sustainable solutions to address these challenges.
His Excellency added that as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom seeks to enhance regional and global efforts to combat desertification and drought. Saudi launched various environmental initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, the Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats. AlFadley stressed that Saudi is implementing many programs, initiatives, and projects related to sectoral strategies to achieve national goals and preserve ecosystems. Furthermore, Saudi is committing to international environmental agreements, sustainable development goals, and integrated water resource management.
As he concluded his speech, Minister AlFadley wished the meeting success, enhanced cooperation, and met the Arab people's aspirations.
H.E. Dr. Nasr ElDin AlObeid, Director General of ACSAD, praised the Kingdom's role in advancing cooperation and promoting joint Arab action. He noted the constructive role of the Secretariat General of the League of Arab States, represented by the economic sector, in achieving the desired goals.
AlObaid explained that extreme weather and climate change in recent years, water scarcity, and global crises have affected production and food sustainability in the Arab region. This poses many challenges for Arab countries regarding food and water security.
AlObaid stressed that ACSAD is moving forward to reach the goals of global initiatives for sustainable development. ACSAD is also implementing the Green Middle East initiative launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him.
The Representative of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, Dr. Ola AlBadri, said that the Summit of Renewal and Change which was held in Jeddah came at a time of significant changes in economic, social, and political levels, as well as an unprecedented rise in food prices. In the face of current challenges, she stressed the importance of activating the Arab role and adherence to Arab interests in international positions, coordination, cooperation, and collective action.
Dr. AlBadri praised ACSAD's achievements and stressed the importance of Arab organizations' role in entrepreneurship, sustainable development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, food security, and climate change.
