The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Ms. Leila Benali, alongside the Prime Minister, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, and the Moroccan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mostafa Mansouri, participated in the proceedings of the “Middle East Green Initiative” summit, held in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday, October 25, 2021, at the behest of King Mohammed VI.
According to a government statement, the summit focused on a range of topics highlighting efforts to contribute to environmental conservation, particularly in light of the climate change the world is experiencing and the challenges it poses at various levels.
The same statement noted that the Moroccan delegation emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation on issues related to climate change and to adopt a more coordinated, effective, and integrated approach among the various components of the international community, each according to its position and influence, to unify perspectives, overcome barriers to accessing climate finance, and enhance the interaction and integration between multilateral and domestic climate finance.
In this context, Aziz Akhannouch, the statement adds, “praised this initiative, which reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vision for addressing the major challenges related to the environment and climate change, and demonstrates its firm commitment to establishing a clear and ambitious roadmap, that strengthens efforts to protect the Earth and nature in the region and contributes strongly and effectively to international efforts aimed at laying the foundations for sustainable development that preserves the environment and ensures a bright future for coming generations.”
The Head of Government noted that the Kingdom of Morocco, in accordance with the political will stemming from the directives of King Mohammed VI, has voluntarily adopted an integrated approach based on a comprehensive and responsible participatory approach to the country’s climate policy, in line with the challenges and objectives of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, which aims to transition to a green economy, in harmony with international efforts in this field, the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The Prime Minister noted that, in accordance with King Mohammed VI’s strategic and comprehensive vision, the Kingdom of Morocco has developed the National Priority Program for Drinking Water and Irrigation Water Supply 2020–2027, at an estimated cost of approximately $11 billion. This program aims to secure water resources and promote water conservation, particularly in the agricultural sector, as well as the reuse of wastewater and seawater desalination.
Sarah Al-Ramshi
