Arab Energy Organization (AEO) Secretary-General Jamal Al-Loughani reaffirmed the organization's commitment to adopting renewable and environmentally friendly energy policies to reduce carbon emissions and achieve environmental sustainability. His remarks came during a workshop titled "Building Capacity for Climate Change Negotiations" organized by AEO in Kuwait today (Monday), in collaboration with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The two-day event precedes COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil.

Key Highlights:

1. Arab Negotiation Preparedness

   • Al-Loughani emphasized AEO's role in training Arab negotiators through the Arab Negotiation Team, coordinating pre-COP workshops and meetings.

   • Stressed the need to unify oil-producing Arab states' positions on climate change mitigation, collaborating with regional and international organizations.

2. Energy Transition & Climate Justice

   • AEO showcased its renewable energy policies, carbon reduction plans, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to enhance emission cuts across economic sectors.

   • Advocated for "climate justice", ensuring oil-producing nations aren’t disproportionately burdened in the clean energy transition, while adhering to UNFCCC principles.

3. Regional Climate Warnings

   • Egypt’s Deputy Petroleum Minister Alaa El-Batal declared climate change an "immediate reality", citing floods, wildfires, and rising sea levels. Noted the developing world needs $6 trillion annually by 2050 for mitigation/adaptation.

   • ESCWA’s Climate Policy Expert Tarek Sadek warned:

     • Arab temperatures are rising twice as fast as the global average, potentially reaching +5°C by 2100.

     • Half the Levant could face 3 months/year above 35°C by 2050.

     • GDP losses may hit 14% by 2050 without action.

4. Next Steps

   • Workshop outcomes will be presented to AEO energy ministers at their December 2025 meeting.

   • ESCWA pledged continued support through capacity-building programs, regional databases, and green investment standards.

Quotes of Note:

• "Our renewable energy policies must balance emission cuts with equitable solutions for developing nations." — SG Al-Loughani

• "The Arab world can’t afford delayed action—climate disasters are already eroding our economies." — Deputy Minister El-Batal