Arab Forum for Environment

Arab Forum for Environment 

Based on the decision of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment - CAMRE (S600 – D.A.32 - 14/10/2021 - article three) that approved the establishment of the "Arab Forum for Environment" and entrusted the Technical Secretariat to coordinate with Arab and international organizations wishing to participate and organize. The first session of the forum was hosted in Egypt, the second session was hosted in the Sultanate of Oman, and the third in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the thirty-fourth session of CAMRE (S641 - Dr. A. 34 - 26/10/2023), the Council adopted a decision and invited the United Nations Environment Programme, represented by the West Asia Office, to establish a permanent joint secretariat for the forum with the League of Arab States.

Objective

The Forum aims to discuss and develop technical recommendations regarding emerging or critical environmental issues in the Arab region. It aims to contribute to the agenda of the CAMRE, providing the relevant information and priority topics to be incorporated into the Council's decisions. Furthermore, the forum will serve as the regional nexus, facilitating the alignment of visions and supporting a stronger role for Arab countries in shaping the global environmental agenda through the United Nations Environment Assembly.

The main purpose of holding Arab forum for Environment sessions is to exchange experiences in relevant fields, identify potential cooperation partnerships, establish regional dialogue among stakeholders to discuss the current situation and anticipate prospects for environmental work in the Arab region. It aims to provide a regular platform for dialogue among various stakeholders, including policymakers, international and regional experts in various environmental fields, while expanding opportunities for partnerships and possible cooperation among key actors.