Regional Climate Weeks provide a platform for policymakers, practitioners, civil society, and the private sector to: exchange ideas, information, and lessons learned to further develop and implement climate solutions; and discuss barriers and challenges and opportunities for the respective regions.

The Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW) was one of the four Regional Climate Weeks taking place ahead of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 28) in November in Dubai. The event built momentum ahead of COP 28 and the conclusion of the first global stocktake (GST), which aims to chart the way to achieve the Paris Agreement’s key goals.

MENACW, a regional collaboration platform across four major systems-based tracks, provided region-specific contributions to inform the GST. These tracks include: energy systems and industry; cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure, and transport; land, ocean, food, and water; and societies, health, livelihoods, and economies.

In addition to engagement and exchange along the four tracks, MENACW included side events, action hubs, and roundtable discussions on expectations for COP 28, as well as other affiliated events organized by the Government of Saudi Arabia.

The opening plenary consisted of a series of Ministerial panels on: inclusivity and circularity for just and equitable energy transitions; inclusive finance and economic diversification towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement; and a global goal on adaptation for a 1.5°C world.

MENACW convened from 8-12 October 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MENACW was being hosted by the Government of Saudi Arabia, and organized by the UNFCCC, in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank Group. Partners in the region include the Islamic Development Bank, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the League of Arab States, and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Vijay Kolinjivadi, Ph.D.; Deborah Davenport, Ph.D.; Jose F. Pinto-Bazurco, Ph.D.; and Emma Vovk. The Digital Editor was Kiara Worth, Ph.D. The Editor was Leila Mead.