GCC Secretary General affirms commitment to global climate cooperation

Riyadh, October 09, 2023, In a significant development, Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has affirmed the GCC countries' unwavering commitment to global cooperation in combatting the far-reaching impacts of climate change. His remarks underscore the pivotal role of the United Arab Emirates in hosting the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), positioning it as an event of utmost importance on the international climate calendar.

Albudaiwi made these remarks during his participation in a ministerial meeting held on Sunday, which brought together GCC ministers responsible for climate affairs. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the esteemed MENA Climate Week 2023, held in Riyadh. During this gathering, Albudaiwi extended his gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for his relentless dedication to advancing the collective initiatives of the GCC.

Furthermore, the Secretary General expressed his appreciation for the exceptional organization and preparation of the meeting, crediting Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Energy, for his instrumental role in this regard. He also commended the individuals and entities responsible for orchestrating the MENA Climate Week in 2023.

In his address, Albudaiwi drew attention to the closing statement issued during the 43rd session of the GCC Supreme Council in Riyadh last December. This statement underscored the adoption of key principles in energy transitions, notably emphasizing energy security, economic development, and climate change as core focus areas.

The Secretary General further highlighted the accomplishments and dedicated efforts of GCC member states in implementing the four pillars of the circular carbon economy. These pillars encompass emissions reduction, as well as the reuse, recycling, and removal of emissions, all of which are integral components of the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives.

Moreover, Albudaiwi emphasized the substantial contributions made by GCC countries in the realm of climate action and the need for strengthened collaborative efforts to maximize the effectiveness of GCC initiatives in the fields of energy transitions and climate change.

The ministerial meeting covered a wide spectrum of climate-related topics, including mitigation, adaptation, finance, investment, global achievements, and crucial strategies to advance climate action while safeguarding the security, development, and economic well-being of the region. It served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives on these pressing climate matters, signaling the GCC's dedication to addressing climate change on both regional and global fronts.