Riyadh, December 13, 2024 – Dr. Munir El Desouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), underscored the crucial role of a multi-stakeholder approach in achieving the integration of nature into urban development. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) roundtable session titled "From Sand to Soil: Nature-Positive Approaches to Urban Desertification" held within the framework of COP16, Dr. El Desouki emphasized the necessity of collaboration across various sectors, including government, private companies, civil society, non-profit organizations, financiers, and academia. Such inclusive cooperation, he argued, is vital for building smarter, greener, and more sustainable cities that can thrive in harmony with nature.
The session, which focused on tackling urban desertification and advancing nature-positive solutions for cities, saw Dr. El Desouki provide a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to combat environmental challenges while promoting sustainability. He pointed out that by fostering partnerships between diverse stakeholders, Saudi Arabia is accelerating the transition toward green cities, prioritizing innovation and sustainable solutions that can make urban areas more resilient to climate change and resource scarcity.
Highlighting the importance of emerging technologies, Dr. El Desouki spoke about how advancements in smart city solutions and environmental monitoring technologies are central to achieving sustainability goals. For instance, he pointed to the use of satellite imagery to track tree growth and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor critical factors such as air and water quality. These innovations not only enhance the efficiency of urban sustainability efforts but also provide real-time data to inform better decision-making processes.
Addressing the challenges that may hinder the successful implementation of such initiatives, Dr. El Desouki identified two key obstacles: the regulatory environment and access to finance. He noted that these challenges could potentially delay or limit the scope of environmental sustainability projects, particularly those requiring significant investment or navigating complex legal frameworks. However, Dr. El Desouki shared that Saudi Arabia has been proactive in addressing these barriers by introducing flexible policies and legislative reforms aimed at fostering innovation and private sector involvement. Notably, the establishment of the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) has played a key role in driving scientific research and technological advancements in the country.
Furthermore, the Kingdom has introduced flexible financing models to encourage greater participation from the private sector and start-ups, helping to secure the necessary capital for large-scale environmental sustainability initiatives. By streamlining access to financing and creating a conducive regulatory environment, Saudi Arabia has been able to foster a robust ecosystem for green innovation and sustainable urban development.
Dr. El Desouki’s remarks underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its strategic efforts to position itself as a leader in the global transition to greener, more resilient cities. Through multi-sector collaboration, technological innovation, and strategic policy reform, the Kingdom is making significant strides in mitigating urban desertification and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability for future generations.
The discussion at COP16 highlighted the growing importance of global cooperation in addressing pressing environmental issues, with Dr. El Desouki's insights contributing to the broader conversation on the role of innovation, finance, and cross-sector partnerships in driving positive change.
