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Rabat – Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch is traveling this Sunday to Saudi Arabia to represent King Mohammed VI at the forum of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the summit of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), which will be held this Monday, October 25 in the Saudi capital.
These two events will see the participation of several heads of state and government, leaders of major companies and international organizations, international figures, academics, and representatives of civil society.
Morocco is participating with a strong delegation led by the newly appointed prime minister, according to a statement from the Head of Government’s office.
The participants will have to work on the examination of several axes relating to the efforts made for the protection of the environment, within the framework of the growing global consensus on climate change.
The SGI takes efforts to level up climate efforts by unifying all sustainability actions in Saudi Arabia to increase reliance on clean energy, offset the impact of fossil fuels, and combat climate change.
SGI brings together environmental protection, energy transformation and sustainability programs to work towards three overarching targets to achieve a common goal of a green future.
The SGI aims to eliminate 278 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year by 2030, up from a previous target of 130 million tonnes. The Saudi crown prince said the SGI initiative would involve investments of over 700 billion riyals ($190 billion) in that time period.
Saudi Arabia’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil, but the Saudi crown prince “is trying to promote diversification,” according to various statements from previous events.
Energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman maintains “the world needs fossil fuels as well as renewables,” according to Reuters.
Morocco has historically had relatively little primary energy reserves such as oil, natural gas, and coal.
The kingdom used to be energy dependent, as it imported 91% of the total energy supply in 2014 from bordering countries, with a hefty $10 billion bill back in 2009.
Morocco’s commitment to renewable, clean energy is steadily showing results.
The country started investing in renewables in the 2000s.
Morocco aims to reach 52% of the energy mix by 2030 (20% solar energy, 20% wind and 12% hydro). The objectives were first announced at the COP21 meeting in Paris.
