Arab Climate Negotiation Group Holds 41st Meeting in Cairo Under Saudi Chairmanship

The Arab Negotiation Group on Climate Change opened its 41st session Wednesday at the headquarters of the Arab League, chaired by Abdulaziz Al-Bati, representative of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy and head of the Arab Climate Commission.

The two-day meeting, organized by the Arab League’s Economic Affairs Sector, brings together representatives of Arab states from ministries and focal points involved in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), along with Arab organizations.

The agenda includes discussions on the draft “Arab Strategy for Climate Action Financing and Mobilization 2030,” a proposal to establish an Arab Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Finance, and the Arab Action Plan for addressing climate issues. Preparations for the upcoming COP30 summit, scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025, are also being reviewed.

Ambassador Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Malki, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Economic Affairs Sector at the Arab League, said the meeting underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering coordination among member states and presenting a unified Arab stance in international negotiations.

Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of the Environment and Meteorology Department and head of the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment, highlighted the significance of the session, noting that 2025 marks both the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the Arab League’s 80th anniversary.

“These are occasions that call us to reflect on past achievements and to look to the future with greater determination,” Fathallah said. He added that the discussions aim to strengthen the collective Arab negotiating position, particularly after outcomes from the recent Baku meeting fell short of expectations.