Faisal bin Farhan Al Furhan Al-Saud described the national vision for 2030, saying it focused on promoting development for future generations and empowering women and youth by developing their creativity.
Human rights are of paramount importance, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia has passed laws to protect its citizens and is also working to build a better future in the Middle East.
Safety depends on cooperation
Regional security requires a just solution to the Palestinian issue, allowing for an independent state, he said, condemning all unilateral measures that violate international law. Riyadh is also assisting efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis and find a peaceful solution in Yemen.
On other security concerns, he called for a de-escalation of the crisis in Sudan and supported the withdrawal of all foreign troops in Libya.
Turning to Afghanistan, he said the country should not become a haven for terrorist organizations. He called for an increase in regional and international assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, he said the world should “spare no effort to find a peaceful solution.”
He expressed concern about nuclear weapons and said their elimination is essential.
“Security and stability are not possible without cooperation and coordination among states to prevent an arms race to acquire these destructive weapons,” he stressed.
He underlined national efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and warned of a rise in Islamophobia and attacks on Muslims. In this spirit, he welcomed the Human Rights Council’s position on combating religious hatred.
Climate action
The stability of the global energy market is the key to economic growth. In turn, Saudi Arabia strives to meet the needs of consumers and producers on a global level, while working with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Riyadh is also promoting climate adaptation measures and working to reduce emissions, he said, calling for a gradual transition to clean energy. However, national and regional circumstances related to sustainable development must be taken into account.
He noted the launch of the ‘Green Saudi Arabia’ and ‘Green Middle East’ campaigns to reduce emissions and improve quality of life. He said Riyadh is using the circular economy approach to achieve carbon neutrality, and has doubled its contribution to this goal. In addition, efforts are being made to promote better management of water resources.
“We also have an ambitious policy towards the future,” he said, adding that Saudi Arabia will host the upcoming Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
“We will focus on the prospects for a future focused on technology and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will be an excellent opportunity to promote projects with universal impact that can foster collaboration to find solutions through innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.”
Full statement available in Arabic here.