Nairobi: The Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF) concluded its participation in the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), held at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi from December 8 to 12. Its active participation reflected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s institutional presence in multilateral environmental dialogue and reinforced the role of local solutions in supporting the global environmental agenda.
According to Saudi Press Agency, on the first day of the assembly, SGBF organized a high-level side event titled ‘Building the Future Together: Local Solutions for Global Goals.’ It opened with remarks by Qassim Region Governor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, delivered on his behalf by Eng. Salman Al-Suwaina. The governor said the Kingdom’s qualitative progress in sustainability and environmental action reflects the directives and support of the wise leadership, which has made environmental action and sustainable development
a core pillar of comprehensive development.
He said the world is at a pivotal stage in international environmental action, given the interconnectedness of ecosystems and overlapping challenges across land, sea, cities, and rural areas. He stressed that the health of any part of the planet is now a direct reflection of the health of the rest, and that environmental challenges are no longer just numbers. He reviewed the experience of Saudi Arabia and Qassim Region and the challenges they face, including desertification and declining vegetation cover, as well as challenges related to marine and ocean life.
The event was attended by UNEA-7 President and Environment Authority of Oman President Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri. It was also attended by Committee of Permanent Representatives Chair and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP Sultan Hajiyev, along with senior UN officials and representatives of member states, major groups, and stakeholders.
SGBF is a leading nonprofit organi
zation at the national and regional levels in supporting environmental sustainability in building, construction, and urban development. It holds special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); serves as an observer on environment, desertification, biodiversity, and industries; and plays an active role in representing national experiences and aligning local efforts with global environmental goals, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its environmental initiatives.
SGBF concluded its participation by emphasizing that organized local action is the real foundation for achieving global sustainable development and environmental goals, and that the future of sustainability requires international cooperation based on joint implementation, responsibility, and environmental justice for future generations.
