MUSCAT: The Oman Climate Week, set to take place during Feb 24 – 27, 2025, will showcase investment opportunities across a wide array of green and renewable energy projects, according to the Director General of Environmental Affairs at the Environment Authority, Dr Mohammed al Kalbani.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, September 16, 2024, the official shared that the event will feature over 100 local and global companies specialising in the field of clean energy and climate change. It will also spotlight investment opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, he noted.
“The rapid environmental breakdown, the massive economic fallouts and the health and security crisis have made immediate climate action inevitable to protect human lives and ensure global stability,” Dr Al Kalbani stressed.
Significantly, climate financing will also be an important highlight of the forum. Speaking to the Observer, Ibrahim Ahmed al Ajmi, Advisor to the Environment Authority Chairman for Climatic Affairs, commented: "Financial support is one of the key topics for climate change projects. There is a new perspective on the mechanisms of financial support to enable countries to benefit from them."
He further explained, "There are multiple funds that work on environmental issues by providing financial support. However, there are, of course, conditions, criteria, and regulations that countries must meet to qualify for these grants. All these matters are currently being strongly discussed, with a focus on reducing the number of funds and concentrating them on specific issues according to the national priorities of the countries in this regard."
Examples of these funds include the Green Climate Fund, agreements related to combating desertification, and agreements concerning biodiversity. "All these systems are now employed through the United Nations framework under the umbrella of sustainable development. This entire integrated system is examined by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. After this examination, discussions take place and proceed to specialised organisations in various environmental sectors to achieve the intended benefits," Al Ajmi stated.
Oman Climate Week will feature a roster of over 100 speakers, and include 30 technical presentations as well. It will be accompanied by an exhibition and several site visits.
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