The fourth edition of the Arab Forum on Land and Climate witnessed extensive discussions on the future of the blue economy in the Arab region, with the participation of regional and international institutions as well as experts in environmental, climate, and sustainable development issues.
The forum’s sessions covered a wide range of themes, including financing coastal resilience, reducing risks through nature-based solutions, sustainable fisheries and marine livelihoods, and the intangible capital that supports the blue economy. Discussions also explored the challenges and opportunities for developing and financing blue-economy pathways, cooperation between intergovernmental organizations and civil society on marine governance, and the conservation, resilience, and financing of Red Sea coral reefs.
Held under the theme “Land and Sea in Harmony: Pathways to the Blue Economy,” the fourth edition featured a series of specialized sessions addressing pressing environmental priorities — including a dedicated session on the challenges and opportunities of advancing the blue economy in the Arab region.
The fourth edition of the Arab Forum on Land and Climate explored an integrated set of themes linking land and sea, highlighting efforts to restore the lost ecological balance between terrestrial and marine systems. The forum emphasized the importance of sustainable investment in marine resources—particularly in renewable energy, aquaculture, and eco-tourism.
Curbing Plastic Pollution
The discussions also shed light on protecting coastal ecosystems through the rehabilitation of coral reefs and mangroves, as well as measures to curb plastic pollution, which poses a mounting threat to marine life.
This fourth edition builds on a scientific and institutional journey that began in 2022 through a partnership between the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) and the Arab Network for NGOs, held under the umbrella of the League of Arab States. The initiative aims to strengthen regional dialogue on climate and sustainable development, and to advance practical, collaborative solutions bringing together governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud: The Arab Blue Economy Is a Pathway to Growth
During his address at the forum, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), stated that the Arab blue economy represents an immediate opportunity for growth — provided its resources are managed wisely.
His Highness stressed that transitioning toward a sustainable blue economy is essential for the region, both to safeguard its marine resources and to preserve its strategic role in global trade and energy.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz affirmed that the forum stands as a call for collective action — a call to shape a unified Arab vision for the future of land, sea, and climate. A vision grounded in science, empowered by youth, and strengthened through cooperation between governments, civil society, and the private sector.
His Highness added that he is confident the discussions held during the fourth edition of the Arab Forum on Land and Climate will help shape recommendations and policies that strengthen the Arab world’s position as an active contributor to global efforts toward inclusive and sustainable development — one that bridges green and blue, land and sea, people and nature.
Meanwhile, H.E. Huda Al-Bakr, Executive Director of the Arab Network for NGOs and Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, noted that convening the fourth edition “crowns an institutional journey that began four years ago, expanding the link between land and sea within the framework of the blue economy.”
From Warning to Action
She emphasized that the accelerating climate shifts “require moving from a phase of warning to one of practical action,” pointing out that climate issues now directly affect economic, food, and human security simultaneously.
She added that this year’s forum brought together more than 13 regional and international entities, including key UN partners and leading financial and development institutions, with the aim of shaping a shared vision that supports blue-economy pathways and opens the door to investment in marine resources.
For his part, H.E. Dr. Nasser Al-Qahtani, Executive Director of AGFUND, stated that this period is marked by challenges facing humanity in its pursuit of lifting people out of poverty — including climate change, food security, and unemployment. Civil society, he noted, plays a vital role in raising awareness and offering real support through non-financial services and assistance to small-scale farmers.
