Parallel to the UN climate summit COP28, the third edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum (SGI Forum) got underway in Dubai on Monday.

In his opening remarks, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman outlined Saudi Arabia’s progress toward achieving net zero emissions by 2060, citing a number of programs including the development of carbon capture technology and the expansion of renewable energy sources.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman established the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021 “with the aim of combating climate change, improving the quality of life, and protecting the planet for future generations.”

The forum is held annually and has become a platform where policy makers, thought leaders and climate experts from around the world convene “to share insights and views, and have serious discussions regarding the best solutions to effectively overcome the climate challenges and reach a more sustainable regional and global future,” SPA said.

“More than 80 initiatives are being implemented to contribute to achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, all considered massive projects in the sector of the green economy,” the report added.