The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture emphasized the UNEP Announcement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host World Environment Day 2024, recognizing its role in protecting the environment and raising environmental awareness. World Environment Day 2024 will focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
UNEP's Executive Director, Inger Andersen remarked "We welcome the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as host of World Environment Day 2024 and as a strong partner in global efforts to restore land and achieve drought resilience."
The Ministry said, "Saudi Arabia will highlight the urgency of global investment in policies and actions that protect and restore nature for a sustainable future." As part of Saudi Arabia's G20 presidency, the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform and Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats were launched.
Moreover, the need to unite both national and international endeavors in pursuit of environmental sustainability was emphasized. Additionally, it highlighted that World Environment Day serves as a reminder of the significance of collective engagement in preserving the environment.
Saudi Arabia makes efforts to preserve the environment at local and global scales, by adopting the National Environment Strategy and the new Environmental Law, as well as driving Saudi Green & Middle East Green Initiatives.
Furthermore, the Kingdom has initiated a national environmental awareness initiative and dedicated a National Environment Week. In addition, five environmental centers were created, and an Environmental Fund has been established to ensure the sector's financial stability.
About World Environment Day
World Environment Day is the United Nations' principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Held annually since 1973, the Day has also become a vital platform for promoting progress on the environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals. With the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the helm, over 150 countries participate each year.