The Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning recently introduced the Sustainability Champion Program during a special meeting at the World Economic Forum. This initiative emphasizes the kingdom’s commitment to advancing sustainability through collaborative efforts.

The Sustainability Champion Program seeks to facilitate collaboration among prominent companies (“Champions”) across various sectors.

These Champions will lend their expertise to other businesses, creating a ripple effect that promotes environmentally friendly practices throughout the Saudi economy. This collaborative approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The program extends beyond knowledge sharing. Each Champion company will actively mentor three others, amplifying the program’s reach and impact through a ripple effect.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to build local expertise in sustainability reporting and provide companies with the tools they need to track and improve their environmental performance.

Nineteen prominent companies have committed to the Sustainability Champion program, including Saudi Aramco, SABIC, STC, ACWA Power, Zain, and the National Bank of Saudi Arabia.

During the recent World Economic Forum, the UAE and Saudi Arabia unveiled ambitious plans for reducing carbon emissions.

Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, a Saudi energy company, expressed surprise at the rapid pace of change in the region. “Saudi and UAE have the most ambitious decarbs programs in the world. There is a speed and dimension you don’t see much elsewhere,” he said.

Arcelli attributed this progress to strong leadership with a clear vision, readily available and affordable renewable energy sources, and a focus on sustainability in key projects.