UNDP backing for Jeddah environmental forum

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support the annual Gulf Environment and Sustainable Development conference and exhibition (GEF) for the third year running in 2012. An officer from UNDP said, “The UNDP is once again pleased to support the Gulf Environment Forum, which is a key milestone in the events diary for continuing environmental development in the Kingdom and the GCC region. We hope to see many great projects and recommendations as a result of this gathering of environmental specialists, developers and investors.” He also said that following the success of the previous events, the UNDP looks forward to supporting the efforts of this year, continuing to establish ties between companies promoting environmental sustainability in the Gulf region. The annual exhibition and conference, organized by the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, Saudi Environmental Society (SENS) and BME Global Ltd. and supported by the municipality, is held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Sponsors confirmed for the growing 2012 event, which is scheduled from March 25 to 27 at the Hilton hotel in Jeddah. The interest in environmental projects has risen massively over recent years in the region, with flagship projects now well under way, including Masdar in the UAE and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh. Consultant Nicolai Dobrott of Berlin's Apricum said he expected Saudi Arabia to invest in 3.5 gigawatts of solar power by 2015. He also said the government would implement a policy on renewable energy by the end of this year. The GEF conference will highlight key economic investment points and critically study the challenges the region faces up to 2016. Topics this year will focus on economy, CSR and green innovation within all sectors. The exhibition, which will play host to a number of international suppliers and consultancies of environmental technology, is anticipating another strong year, attracting investors from both the private and public sectors.