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Saudi Arabia Hosts 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World

Saudi Minister of Environment Abdulrahman al-Fadley at the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Environment Abdulrahman al-Fadley at the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Hosts 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World

Saudi Minister of Environment Abdulrahman al-Fadley at the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Environment Abdulrahman al-Fadley at the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World (SPA)

The 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World has been held in Jeddah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The conference organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) was held between Oct. 18 and 19.

In his opening speech, Saudi Minister of Environment Abdulrahman al-Fadley welcomed environment ministers from 52 countries and delegates from 30 regional and international organizations dedicated to environmental matters.

He stressed that cooperation and collaboration between the Islamic nations play a critical role in environment protection, sustainability, and tackling global environmental challenges.

The Minister expressed the solidarity of Saudi Arabia with the Palestinian people and requested the international community to take a responsible stance and emphasized the necessity of adhering to the provisions of international and humanitarian laws.

Furthermore, he expressed solidarity of Saudi Arabia with Morocco and Libya while facing the aftermath of recent natural disasters in their countries.

“Preserving the environment is one of the pillars of Saudi Vision 2030, as it adopted the National Environment Strategy, established the fund and five environmental centers, as well as launched initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and regionally Middle East Green Initiative.”

He indicated the Green Initiatives aim to develop vegetation cover, raise conservations to 30 percent, and adopt the carbon circular economy approach to reach zero neutrality in 2060.

The Middle East Green Initiatives aim to strengthen regional cooperation to combat desertification and preserve vegetation and its biodiversity. It also seeks to achieve food security, adapt to climate change, and improve the quality of life.

Saudi Arabia cooperated with many countries and international organizations to launch the Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats Platform, announced Fadley.

The platform aims to accelerate research and development to preserve coral reefs and reduce land degradation and loss of wild habitats, which was launched by G20 leaders during the Kingdom’s presidency of the group’s meetings in 2020.

Last month, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the establishment of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh.

Next year, Saudi Arabia will host the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) and World Environment Day 2024.

Fadley congratulated the recipients of the Kingdom Award for Environmental Management in the Islamic World during its third session.

Also at the ceremony, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hussein Taha asserted the importance of environmental security and its comprehensive impact.

He indicated that this requires urgent and coordinated action from all countries, especially since the Islamic world is one of the regions of the world most affected by global climate change.

Taha asserted that the concerns of Islamic nations must be heard at various international and global forums concerned with environmental issues.

He lauded the efforts at the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, indicated that its results will be a very important towards preparing the Islamic community for the upcoming COP28 conference in the UAE.

In turn, Director-General of the ICESCO Salim al-Malik mentioned environmental challenges facing the Islamic world, including issues of global warming, the surge in greenhouse gas emissions, rising global temperatures, loss of biodiversity, and plastic pollution.

He further noted that the scale of these challenges places a significant responsibility on the Islamic world.

Malik addressed the food waste issue, indicating that it amounts to 1.3 billion tons annually, enough to feed three billion people.

Climate crisis is the result of mismanagement, which requires decision-makers to work diligently to find radical solutions, increase the capital of the green economy, support its innovations, and make the best use of the digital and information revolution, said Malik.

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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)

Syria faces significant challenges as discussions intensify about the post-Bashar al-Assad era, particularly in securing the necessary revenues for the Syrian interim government to meet the country’s needs and ensure its sustainability. The widespread destruction of the economy and infrastructure poses a dual challenge: rebuilding the nation while stimulating economic activity and ensuring sufficient financial resources for governance.

Currently, the interim government relies heavily on international and regional support during the transitional phase. Donor countries are expected to provide financial and technical assistance to help rebuild institutions and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.

However, as the country transitions, external support alone will not suffice. The government must identify sustainable revenue sources, such as managing natural resources, imposing taxes, and encouraging foreign investments.

Opportunities from the Syrian Diaspora

The Syrian diaspora is seen as a significant economic resource, contributing through remittances or involvement in reconstruction projects. However, realizing these opportunities requires the establishment of strong, transparent institutions, effective resource management, and a clear strategic plan to rebuild trust with both local and international communities.

Securing revenues for the interim government is not merely a financial challenge but also a test of its ability to lead Syria toward stability and prosperity.

Securing Economic Resources

Nasser Zuhair, head of the Economic and Diplomatic Affairs Unit at the European Policy Organization, stated that the interim government, currently led by Mohammed al-Bashir, may replicate its revenue-generating models from Idlib. Resources in Idlib were drawn from temporary measures that are insufficient for sustaining a national economy like Syria’s.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Zuhair explained that these resources included taxation, fuel trade with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-controlled areas, international aid for displaced persons in Idlib, remittances from the Syrian diaspora, and cross-border trade facilitated by Turkiye.

“The interim government believes that sanctions relief is a matter of months, after which it can begin to establish a sustainable economy. For now, it will rely on the same resources and strategies used in Idlib and other controlled areas,” Zuhair added.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the former regime’s reliance on illicit revenues, such as drug trafficking and Captagon production—estimated to account for 25% of government revenues—the interim government has several potential avenues for generating revenue.

International Aid

Zuhair emphasized that cross-border humanitarian aid indirectly supports local economies. “The current government understands that international and regional aid will be substantial in the coming period, particularly for refugee repatriation and infrastructure development,” he noted.

He added that efforts to secure funding from the Brussels Conference, which allocates about $7 billion annually to support Syria, will be critical. Strengthening ties with regional and European countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, and the UK, is also a priority. However, securing such aid depends on establishing a political framework where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) does not dominate governance.

He further noted that international and regional support will likely remain a key revenue source for the interim government, including humanitarian and developmental aid from organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Taxes and Tariffs

Zuhair highlighted taxes and tariffs as essential components of the government’s revenue strategy. This includes taxing local economic activities, customs duties on cross-border trade, and fair taxes on merchants and industrialists in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo.

“The government can also impose income, corporate, and property taxes while improving border management to maximize revenue from customs and tariffs,” he added.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Syria’s vast and fertile agricultural lands present an opportunity for revenue generation, Zuhair underlined, explaining that taxes on agricultural products could contribute to state income. However, this sector faces logistical challenges and high production costs. By directing the agricultural sector toward self-sufficiency, the government could reduce dependence on imports and create surplus revenue, he remarked.

Additionally, managing natural resources such as oil and gas could provide a significant revenue stream if the government gains control over resource-rich areas like northeastern Syria, the official noted.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction presents another potential revenue source. International companies could be encouraged to invest in rebuilding efforts in exchange for fees or taxes. Public-private partnerships with local and foreign firms in sectors such as infrastructure and housing could also generate significant funds.

Remittances from the Diaspora

Zuhair stressed the importance of remittances from Syrians abroad, estimating that these transfers could reach $2 billion annually by 2025. Encouraging the diaspora to send funds to support family members and rebuild properties will be a key priority for the government.

Domestic Investments

The interim government has shown its ability to attract domestic investments in real estate, industry, commerce, and agriculture, despite international sanctions. According to Zuhair, leveraging Türkiye as an international gateway, the government could expand this model across Syria, taking advantage of the challenging economic conditions left by the previous regime to draw reasonable investments in its first year.

Tourism and Small Businesses

Revitalizing the tourism sector could directly contribute to revenue, he added, noting that restoring historical and cultural sites, once security and stability are achieved, will attract visitors and generate income.

In addition, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises will help revive the economy and create jobs, Zuhair emphasized, pointing that supporting manufacturing industries could provide a sustainable revenue stream.