His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the Sustainability Forum Middle East reflects the paramount importance GCC member states accord to climate and energy challenges.
"The Council member states have taken pioneering steps at both national and regional levels by adopting policies aimed at diversifying the energy mix, enhancing energy efficiency, and investing in clean energy and hydrogen technologies, alongside the implementation of Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) principles," His Excellency stressed.
These remarks were delivered during His Excellency’s participation in the fourth edition of the forum on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment, and several high-ranking officials and global experts.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi extended his profound gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and current President of the GCC Supreme Council, for the Kingdom's gracious hosting of the forum.
He further commended the backing and facilities provided to ensure the success of the Council’s initiatives, while lauding the immense dedication and attention directed toward joint Gulf action by His Majesty and his brothers, Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC member states, across all fields.
"While the world faces unprecedented challenges due to climate change and increasing pressures on water and energy resources, the GCC is working under the leadership of its heads of state to transform these challenges into strategic opportunities," His Excellency explained.
He emphasised that the GCC remains at the vanguard of global efforts to achieve a sustainable transition, recognising these sectors as the fundamental pillars of sustainable development and human security.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi further noted that the national strategies of GCC states serve as a global model for achieving climate neutrality.
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) aims for 44% clean energy and Net Zero by 2050, while the Kingdom of Bahrain plans to transition 20% of its energy to renewables by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Simultaneously, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia targets a 50% share of renewable energy by 2030 and Net Zero by 2060, whereas the Sultanate of Oman aims for 30% renewable electricity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. Furthermore, the State of Qatar seeks to fulfill 20% of its energy requirements through renewables by 2030, and the State of Kuwait targets 15% renewable electricity by 2035 with a goal of Net Zero by 2050," His Excellency stressed.
His Excellency noted that these ambitious strategies do not merely reflect the GCC states' commitment to climate responsibility, but also underscore their recognition of the strategic importance of innovation, technology, and investment in human capital and supply chains to reinforce energy security and maximise the socioeconomic impact of sustainable energy projects.
He pointed out that these efforts represent a fundamental cornerstone in achieving the global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity, in alignment with the outcomes of COP28.
"This transition requires significant capital, with estimates indicating that annual clean energy investments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are projected to rise from approximately $26 billion currently to nearly $63 billion by 2035," His Excellency said.
"This conference serves as a strategic platform for exchanging expertise, discussing financing mechanisms, and showcasing the latest technical innovations essential for climate change adaptation and the mitigation of its adverse effects. Such efforts are vital for enhancing the environmental and economic sustainability of the Council’s member states and their peoples," he added.
In closing, His Excellency reaffirmed that the GCC countries possess the political will, capabilities, and institutional frameworks necessary to play a leadership role in this trajectory and move forward toward achieving their climate and developmental objectives. He expressed his hope that the forum would yield qualitative recommendations that contribute to propelling regional and international efforts toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.