The Arab Forum for Land and Climate, organized by the Arab Network for National NGOs (ANNGO), the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), and their partners, is a recurring regional event that unites governments, civil society, development organizations, philanthropists, and experts to address the pressing challenges of global warming and environmental degradation. Serving as a hub for regional dialogue and partnership building, the forum aims to enhance land resilience and promote sustainable development across the Arab region.
This year’s forum, held under the theme “Land and Sea in Sync: Pathways to the Blue Economy,” focuses on sustainable blue economy development, land and water management, and climate resilience. It convenes regional and global stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore practical solutions inspired by international best practices.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), participating for the third consecutive year, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting collaboration and innovation in sustainable development. Through its continued engagement, UNDP uses the forum as a platform to highlight its initiatives that strengthen climate resilience and promote adaptive strategies in the region.
Among UNDP’s contributions were two key panel sessions. The first, titled “Financing Coastal Resilience: De-Risking Nature-Based Solutions,” focused on how insurance and risk financing can drive investment in nature-based solutions (NbS). With nature absorbing a significant portion of global carbon emissions yet remaining vulnerable to degradation, the panel explored innovative financial tools such as blue bonds and parametric insurance to promote marine and coastal resilience.
The second session, “Red Sea Corals: Conservation, Resilience & Finance,” led by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States, examined how marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods intersect in the context of climate change. It highlighted the importance of biodiversity in the Arab region’s marine environments and showcased community-driven solutions that link marine restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable income generation. Together, these discussions reinforced the Forum’s mission to promote holistic, nature-based, and inclusive approaches to climate and land management in the Arab world.
