Middle East Green Initiative targets 35.4 billion trees, 99.4 million hectares of land restoration

RIYADH — Member states of the Middle East Green Initiative aim to plant 35.4 billion trees and rehabilitate 99.4 million hectares of degraded land, the initiative's Executive Committee said during its 20th meeting. During the initiative's 20th virtual meeting, chaired by the initiative's Executive Committee Chairman and Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Environment, Dr. Osama Faqeeha, members examined the latest data submitted by member states on their national vegetation development goals, which contribute to the initiative's regional objectives. The meeting brought together officials from the initiative's member states to review the implementation of decisions adopted during the second Ministerial Council meeting, which was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Jan. 29, 2026, and to discuss the General Secretariat's key achievements and future plans. MGI Secretary-General Eng. Ibrahim Al-Turki presented a report outlining the Secretariat's accomplishments during the first half of 2026, including implementing capacity-building and knowledge-transfer programs, strengthening strategic partnerships with regional and international organizations and development finance institutions, completing the Secretariat's operational preparations, and developing a communications strategy with member states and partners. The strategy included the launch of the initiative's official website and social media platforms, as well as the Secretariat's work plan for the second half of the year. Committee members also reviewed nominations for the initiative's Scientific Advisory Committee, which will comprise leading international experts tasked with providing scientific and technical guidance on issues related to vegetation development across the region in support of the initiative's objectives. The meeting also discussed five internal governance policies for the Secretariat, including policies on communication and transparency, stakeholder engagement, administrative affairs, and other organizational measures aimed at improving institutional efficiency. The Secretariat also presented its proposed five-year strategy and roadmap, which will be submitted to the next meeting of the initiative's Ministerial Council. The Executive Committee serves as the initiative's operational decision-making body and is composed of delegations representing deputy ministers and senior ministry officials from MGI member states.