S1- Regional Dialogue for Sustainable Energy and Climate Neutrality
The focus will be on the importance of regional and international collaboration in promoting sustainable energy and climate neutrality in the MENA region. It will explore how partnerships
can enhance renewable energy development, knowledge sharing,
and policy alignment. Participants will learn about successful
cooperation frameworks and challenges, gaining insights from
case studies and regional initiatives aiming at tripling renewable energy capacities (including MEDSEC initiative of 1TW by 2030
in the Mediterranean) and doubling energy efficiency efforts
by 2030 to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the energy transition and achieve net-zero by 2050.
S2- Navigating Strategies, Policies and Regulations for Clean Energy & Clean tech
This theme will explore the strategies, policies and regulations
impacting clean energy development in the MENA region. It will examine local, national, and regional regulatory frameworks,
highlighting incentives like subsidies and tax benefits. Participants will learn about compliance challenges, strategies to navigate them, and the impact of international agreements
like the Paris Agreement on regional energy policies and future
regulatory changes.
S2B- Navigating the Carbon Trade for Sustainable Energy Projects: Implications and Strategies
During this panel, we will discuss the implications of the carbon
trade market and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
(CBAM), focusing on its economic and trade impacts, compliance
strategies, and potential to promote low-carbon practices and
competitiveness. We will examine how exports from MENA
countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt—major exporters
of steel, fertilizers, cement, and potentially green hydrogen—
will be affected by this EU regulation.Emphasizing that CBAM
should be seen as a driver for clean energy, we will highlight
its critical role in the energy transition, it’s mitigation strat
egies. While CBAM solutions are challenging and costly, they
exist and support the development of green technologies.
14:00 - 15:00 : Lunch Break and networking
15:00- 16:00
S3- Electrification and Grid Interconnection Opportunities
This theme will focus on the opportunities and challenges of
electrification and grid interconnection in Africa, with a particular
emphasis on the MENA region’s role in supporting these efforts.
It will explore how electrification projects can enhance energy access,
economic development, and social well-being across the continent.
Participants will learn about diffrent aspects of intergration, distribution
and storage orenewables, grid interconnection projects, including
cross-border electricity trade and regional power pools.
S3B- Regional Energy Outlooks (In partnership with IRENA)
IRENA wishes to co-organize a session on the regional
enerergy outlooks developed for 5 regions including North
Africa. Let’s agree with them on the details.
This session will examine the modernization of energy grids and
the adoption of smart energy systems to boost efficiency, reliability,
sustainability, and increased shares of renewables. Topics include
advanced technologies like smart meters, automated grid management,
real-time data analytics. Participants will learn about benefits such
as better energy distribution and renewable integration, and discuss
challenges in upgrading infrastructure, enabling P2P, optimizing mini
grids, ensuring cybersecurity, and managing the transition.
S4B- Tackling Water-Energy-Food Nexus Challenges & Opportunities in the MENA Region
This theme explores the critical energy-water nexus in the
MENA region, addressing water scarcity’s impact on energy
security and water-efficient energy production methods.
Topics include desalination, wastewater treatment, and
integrated policies for sustainable resource management.
It highlights synergies like using desalination for renewable
energy storage and Green Ammonia production and fertiliz
ers that play a major role in food security, emphasizing the
social benefits and regional resilience.
S1-GH: Green Hydrogen era and regional cooperation
This theme explores the international strategies and timelines
for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen technologies.
It covers the current status of green hydrogen projects, future
projections, key milestones, and the necessary infrastructure
developments to enable global deployment. The discussion will include
technological advancements, supply chain logistics, and collaboration
between countries to achieve a unified green hydrogen economy.
S2-GH: Energy Corridors: Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Partnerships
This theme examines the development of green hydrogen corridors,
which are networks of green hydrogen infrastructure that facilitate
cross-border trade and partnerships. It looks at the logistics,
regulatory challenges, and economic benefits of establishing these
corridors. The focus is on creating seamless supply chains and
fostering international cooperation to enable the efficient movement
of hydrogen across regions.
S2-BF Access to Green finance: how strategies, policies and regulations can foster Public - Private sector investment
UPDATED - This session will explore financing sustainable
energy projects in the MENA region, focusing on models such
as sustainable energy funds, green bonds, venture capital,
and public-private partnerships (PPPs). We will delve into the
dynamics of PPPs, including their benefits, challenges, and
successful case studies. The session will also discuss the role
of financial institutions in supporting decentralized renewable
energy and energy efficiency, particularly in buildings and
appliances. Participants will gain insights into the investment
landscape for sustainable energy, including barriers, risks, and
mitigation strategies. By examining case studies of successful
green finance initiatives and PPPs, the session will highlight
best practices and lessons learned for stakeholders seeking to
navigate the complexities of sustainable energy financing and
implementation in
the region.
S3-GH:Financing the Green Hydrogen Economy: Strategies for Investment and Market Development
This theme explores the financial aspects and steps needed to establish and
grow the green hydrogen economy, focusing on how to ensure
their bankability and attract investment. It covers various financial
instruments, funding mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies
that can support the development and commercialization of
hydrogen technologies. Discussions will include insights from
financial institutions, investors, and policymakers on creating a
favorable investment climate. Additionally, it examines market
drivers, business models, and regulatory frameworks that support
the development of green hydrogen as a key energy source. Topics
include market incentives, industry partnerships, demand creation,
and the role of public and private sectors in fostering a robust
green hydrogen market.
S3-BF: Funding Mechanisms and Opportunities for Mitigation and Adaptation
Presentation of various funding mechanisms available for
climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Representatives
from major financial institutions to discuss opportunities and
challenges in securing finance for regional climate initiatives,
emphasizing innovative and accessible funding solutions.
S4-GH: Advancements in Hydrogen Production Tech nologies and Innovation (In partnership with MEDENER)
This theme highlights the latest advancements and innovations
in hydrogen production technologies. It includes discussions on
cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and breakthrough
developments that are driving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness
of hydrogen production. Topics may cover advancements in
electrolysis, thermochemical processes, biotechnological methods,
and other innovative approaches that contribute to the sustainable
and scalable production of hydrogen.
S4-BF: The role of private sector banks and financial institutions financing the energy transition and climate action
Highlight the crucial role of private sector banks and financial
institutions in financing the energy transition and climate action.
Discussion on strategies, initiatives, and partnerships to
support sustainable energy projects and enhancing
regional climate resilience.
S5-GH: Hydrogen Justice: Unpacking Inequities in Global Partnerships and Transitions (In partnersgip with FES)
The session will feature experts in energy transition and in
tends to explore the following aspects:
• The hydrogen economy: How to set conditions for a just
hydrogen transition.
• To assess the environmental impacts associated with the
hydrogen supply chain.
• To analyze the implications for energy and water access,
labor regimes, and vulnerable livelihoods.
• To explore the role of hydrogen diplomacy in shaping global
energy policies and partnerships.
• Call to action for inclusive and equitable approaches to
hydrogen development and deployment.
S5-BF: The role of the corporate companies, Chambers of Commerce and Foundations in fostering Energy Transition and climate action
UPDATED - Focus on the role of corporate companies and Chambers
of Commerce in promoting energy transition and sustainable
development in the region. Discussions on Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance
(ESG) criteria, and impact investment as economic opportunities
for growth and job creation. Examine how Chambers of Commerce
can support the energy transition by fostering collaboration
between businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
S6-GH:Certification Schemes for Green Hydrogen: Ensuring Quality and Transparency
This theme focuses on the development and implementation of
certification schemes for green hydrogen to ensure its quality,
sustainability, and transparency. It includes discussions on the
criteria for certification, the role of international standards, and
the mechanisms for verification and auditing. The aim is to build
consumer and investor confidence in green hydrogen by
establishing clear and reliable certification processes that
distinguish it from other types of hydrogen.
S6-BF Startups and Innovation: Driving the Future of Clean Energy: not restricted to only energy)
We will emphasize the role of startups and innovation in
advancing sustainable energy solutions in the MENA region.
It will explore how entrepreneurial ventures and innovative
technologies can address the region’s energy challenges
and contribute to a greener future. Participants will learn
about the latest trends in energy innovation, such as clean
tech startups, renewable energy technologies, and energy
efficiency solutions. The theme will also cover the challenges
startups face, including access to funding, market barriers,
and regulatory hurdles. By showcasing successful startups
and innovative projects, the discussions will provide insights
into how the MENA region can foster a vibrant ecosystem for
sustainable energy innovation.
S7-GH:Beyond Green Hydrogen: Exploring Green Ammonia and Green Methanol as Green Hydrogen Derivatives
This theme explores the potential of green ammonia and
green methanol as green hydrogen derivatives that can play a
significant role in the green hydrogen economy. It covers the
production processes, applications, and benefits of using green
ammonia and reen methanol as carriers of green hydrogen energy.
The discussion will also address the challenges and opportunities
in integrating these derivatives into existing energy systems and
their role in facilitating green hydrogen storage and transportation.
Summarize the key takeaways from the forum, highlighting successful initiatives, innovative solutions, and collaborative
efforts discussed throughout the day. It will emphasize the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation among
regional stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the Mediterranean region. Next step to COP 29.
Achieving a just and inclusive energy transition in the MENA
region involves empowering women in the energy sector. This
includes overcoming challenges faced by women, promoting
gender diversity, providing opportunities for retraining, and reskilling.
Empowering women in the green energy sector within the MENA
region is crucial for advancing towards a more sustainable future.
Addressing gender disparities in the sector is essential for achieving
long-term environmental and social goals. Ensuring a just energy
transition that involves and empowers women is key to respecting
their rights and creating a more equitable and sustainable energy
landscape. By integrating women into the transition process, a more
inclusive and effective energy shift can be achieved.
S5B-: Advancing Energy-Efficiency in Building, Transportation and Industry
We will emphasize the critical importance of energy efficiency
across various sectors in the MENA region, including
buildings, transportation, and industry. during this session
we will explore innovative technologies and best practices
that enhance energy efficiency, with a focus on the role of
artificial intelligence. Discussions will cover advancements in
energy-efficient building designs and retrofitting techniques
that can significantly reduce energy consumption. We will
also highlight smart transportation systems and the role of
electric vehicles in promoting energy efficiency. Addition
ally, we will delve into industrial process optimization, the
integration of automation, and Internet of Things (IoT)
technologies to achieve substantial energy savings. The theme
will also address demand management, energy sufficiency, and
the concept of sovereignty in the context of energy efficiency.
10:30 - 11:30
S6B-:Advancing Sustainable Cooling through the National Cooling Action Plans (In collaboration with UNEP)
This session explores the current efforts aiming at catalyzing
a policy transformation process to shift to climate-friendly
cooling through the development of National Cooling Action
Plans(NCAPs). It will discuss the need to build the capacity of
national authorities and facilitate the development of NCAPs
by developing a comprehensive NCAP methodology tailored
to the regional context with flexibility to incorporate national
policies and strategies, and linkages to Nationally Determined
Contributions and Kigali Implementation Plans. The session
will highlight how to address key cooling sectors, such as
space cooling, food cold-chain, healthcare cold-chain, mobile
air conditioning and industrial process cooling.
Achieving a just and inclusive energy transition in the MENA region
involves empowering women in the energy sector. This includes
overcoming challenges faced by women, promoting gender diversity,
providing opportunities for retraining, and reskilling. Empowering
women in the green energy sector within the MENA region is
crucial for advancing towards a more sustainable future. Addressing
gender disparities in the sector is essential for achieving long-term
environmental and social goals. Ensuring a just energy transition
that involves and empowers women is key to respecting their rights
and creating a more equitable and sustainable energy landscape. By
integrating women into the transition process, a more inclusive and
effective energy shift can be achieved.
S7B-Critical Minerals: Powering the Renewable Energy Revolution
During this session we will focus on the critical role of
essential minerals in the development and deployment of
renewable energy technologies. It will explore the importance
of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth
elements in the production of batteries, wind turbines, and
solar panels. The theme will address the challenges of sourcing
these minerals sustainably, including environmental impacts,
geopolitical considerations, and supply chain issues.
Participants will learn about strategies for securing a
stable supply of essential minerals, such as recycling, developing
alternative materials, and promoting responsible mining
practices. The goal is to understand how to support the
growth of renewable energy while minimizing the ecological
and social impacts of mineral extraction.
S7- Harmonizing Nature and Power: Biodiversity in Sustainable Energy Practices
We will investigates how biodiversity intersects with su tainable energy
in the MENA region. It discusses designing renewable energy projects to
safeguard biodiversity, the environmental effects of energy
technologies, and methods to reduce harm to ecosystems. Participants
will explore integrating biodiversity into energy planning via habitat
conservation and wildlife-friendly infrastructure, supported by case
studies demonstrating effective harmony between nature and
energy goals.
S8B- Energizing Innovation: AI and Digitalization in the Energy Transition
This theme will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization in accelerating the energy transition in the MENA region.
It will cover how AI and digital technologies can optimize energy production,
distribution, and consumption, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Participants will learn about the latest developments in AI-driven energy management
systems, predictive maintenance, and smart grid technologies. The theme will
also address the challenges of integrating digital solutions into the energy sector,
such as data security, interoperability, and workforce training. Case studies of
successful AI and digitalization projects will be shared to highlight best
practices and lessons learned, demonstrating how these technologies can drive
the energy transition in the MENA region.
