Middle East Green Initiative Executive Committee Holds Its 20th Meeting and Reviews Progress

At its 20th meeting, the Executive Committee reviewed progress in the Secretariat’s work and its plan for the second half of 2026, alongside the formation of the Scientific Advisory Committee and the development of a five-year strategy. The meeting also reviewed member countries’ targets to plant 35.4 billion trees and restore 99.4 million hectares of degraded land.

The Executive Committee of the Middle East Green Initiative held its 20th meeting virtually today, July 22, 2026, chaired by Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Environment. The meeting reviewed member countries' and the General Secretariat's progress in implementing decisions from the second Ministerial Council meeting held in Jeddah. The Secretary-General presented a report on H1 2026 achievements, including capacity-building programs, strategic partnerships, operational preparations, and digital communication platforms, alongside the Secretariat's work plan for the remainder of the year. The committee also discussed nominations for the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), comprising top international experts, to provide scientific and technical guidance on regional vegetation cover development.

Participants also discussed five internal operational policies, including communication, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. The General Secretariat presented its work program to draft a 5-year strategy and roadmap for the upcoming Ministerial Council meeting. Additionally, it reviewed updated national targets contributing to the regional goal of planting 35.4 billion trees and rehabilitating 99.4 million hectares of degraded land.

It is worth noting that the Executive Committee is tasked with making operational decisions for the Middle East Green Initiative and is represented by deputy ministers and undersecretaries from regional member countries.