MENA Climate Week 2023 to Discuss Progress, Solutions in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia will host the MENA Climate Week 2023 in Riyadh on October 8-12. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia will host the MENA Climate Week 2023 in Riyadh on October 8-12. (SPA)
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MENA Climate Week 2023 to Discuss Progress, Solutions in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia will host the MENA Climate Week 2023 in Riyadh on October 8-12. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia will host the MENA Climate Week 2023 in Riyadh on October 8-12. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia, in coordination and collaboration with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, is set to host the MENA Climate Week 2023 in Riyadh on October 8-12.

The event will bring together numerous countries, policymakers, influential organizations from around the world, in addition to representatives from the UN and related bodies, civil society, and the business sector.

The aim is to exchange perspectives on climate solutions, cooperate in finding practical and rational approaches to address climate change and mitigate its effects.

Discussions will encompass policy frameworks, investment opportunities, research and development initiatives, and the spread of various technological solutions, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency efforts, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and carbon dioxide removal.

MENA Climate Week 2023 will provide the Kingdom with an opportunity to showcase its efforts and accomplishments in tackling the challenges posed by climate change.

In 2021, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, launched the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives.

The Saudi Green initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030.

The other initiative seeks to mobilize efforts of various stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions, equivalent to 10% of global contributions, and reduce carbon emissions from oil production in the region by over 60%.

On December 4, the third edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum will be launched, coinciding with the COP28 conference. This move reflects the Kingdom’s commitment and ongoing efforts to support the global climate action agenda and take tangible actions to address environmental challenges.

Furthermore, in October 2021, the Crown Prince announced the Kingdom’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through a circular carbon economy approach, aligning with its development plans and promoting economic diversification.



Türkiye Denounces Opposition Calls for a Day of No Shopping 

Shoppers walk through the spice bazaar in the Eminonu district of Istanbul on April 1, 2025. (AFP)
Shoppers walk through the spice bazaar in the Eminonu district of Istanbul on April 1, 2025. (AFP)
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Türkiye Denounces Opposition Calls for a Day of No Shopping 

Shoppers walk through the spice bazaar in the Eminonu district of Istanbul on April 1, 2025. (AFP)
Shoppers walk through the spice bazaar in the Eminonu district of Istanbul on April 1, 2025. (AFP)

Türkiye’s government denounced opposition calls for a mass commercial boycott following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu that sparked nationwide protests, describing them on Wednesday as an economic "sabotage attempt".

After the mayor was detained two weeks ago, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) had called for a boycott of goods and services from companies with perceived ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

That call widened on Wednesday to include a halt to all shopping for one day, prompting some shops to close in solidarity with those criticizing the arrest as a politicized and anti-democratic attempt to hurt the opposition's electoral prospects.

Imamoglu is Erdogan's main political rival and the CHP's presidential candidate for any future election.

Trade Minister Omer Bolat said boycott calls posed a threat to economic stability and accused those advocating them of seeking to undermine the government.

They "are an attempt to sabotage the economy and include unfair trade and competition elements. We see this as a futile attempt by circles who consider themselves the masters of this country", Bolat said.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said the calls threatened social harmony and economic stability, and were "doomed to fail".

Several cabinet ministers and pro-government celebrities, including former Germany and Real Madrid soccer midfielder Mesut Ozil, used the hashtag #BoykotDegilMilliZarar ("Not a Boycott, but National Damage") to emphasize their stance.

The calls have been led by CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel, who has encouraged the street protests that have swollen to the largest in Türkiye in more than a decade. Erdogan has called the protests "evil" and said they would not last.

Türkiye’s economy has been hit by a years-long cost of living crisis and series of currency crashes, with growth having slowed and inflation still lofty at 39% in February.

On Tuesday prosecutors launched an investigation into those advocating the boycott calls on social and traditional media.

The Istanbul chief prosecutor's office said it was probing calls that allegedly sought to prevent a segment of the public from engaging in economic activity, citing possible violations of laws against hate speech and inciting public hostility.