• Plans related to combating climate change within a framework of international development were reviewed

Rashid Hassan 

RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development and the UN Development Programme held on July 27 a joint workshop on climate change at SFD headquarters in Riyadh with the aim of exploring an effective roadmap for mitigating the global threat.

The objectives of the workshop included exchanging information and expertise in global development, as well as strengthening international development cooperation and engagement between both parties, the SFD said Thursday.

During the workshop, plans related to combating climate change within a framework of international development were reviewed.

The workshop also explored the current and future impacts of climate change on the sustainable development goals of developing countries.

Samba Harouna Thiam, senior adviser to the UNDP administrator, addressed the workshop virtually from New York, highlighting how nations can effectively measure their progress moving forward.

“The UNDP, through its flagship program Climate Promise, is supporting developing countries with a unifying platform to increase their climate pledge and keep track of their contributions towards mitigating and addressing climate change impacts. Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative are also leading the way in addressing climate change through the mobilization of climate finance at scale. Political will, citizens buy-in and large investments are all needed to achieve the Paris Agreement,” said Thiam.

SFD officials highlighted the fund’s commitment to assisting sustainable development through clean energy, afforestation, and greening initiatives in developing countries, which will work toward protecting the environment and creating jobs in sustainable sectors.

The workshop closely aligns with the SFD’s goal to unify efforts with leading global organizations and contribute to sustainable development.

Through its various projects, the SFD is committed to supporting the achievement of SDGs, which aim to foster growth and prosperity across developing countries.

Since its establishment, the SFD has made important contributions through its loans toward mitigating climate change, such as those in support of various solar and hydropower projects.

By the end of 2021, it funded 15 development loans for the renewable energy sector in nine developing countries, worth a total of $650.6 million.

The SFD contributed to nine projects supporting afforestation and flood protection, worth a total of $163.6 million.

It also actively supported 11 agricultural land reclamation projects, with a total loan value of $473 million.