Saeed Al Tayer Opens Green Economy Forum in Morocco

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

The Regional Green Economy Forum (RGEF) 2025 opened with a grand ceremony in Tangier, Morocco, bringing together leaders, experts, and youth from across Africa and around the world. The theme of this important forum was "Empowering African Cities: Paving the Path to Carbon Neutrality." The event was held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, showing the country’s strong support for building a greener and more sustainable future.

The keynote speech at the opening ceremony was delivered by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, who is the Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO). In his speech, he praised Morocco’s leadership in environmental action and sustainable development. He also thanked His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his guidance and for giving the Forum his high patronage, a sign of Morocco’s commitment to global climate goals.

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A Warm Welcome from Saeed Al Tayer

Al Tayer began his speech by expressing his deep appreciation to Morocco and the city of Tangier for hosting this major international event. He said that Tangier’s commitment to climate action and green development made it the perfect location for the forum.

He emphasized the importance of this forum in today’s world, saying, "Climate change is no longer a future problem – it’s happening right now." Many African cities are already facing problems such as rising temperatures, droughts, water shortages, and other serious environmental issues.

Focus on African Cities and Green Growth

The forum focused on how African cities can become carbon neutral—which means they produce as little pollution as possible and use clean energy like solar and wind power. Al Tayer highlighted that African cities have a chance to not only fight climate change but also lead the way in building sustainable urban areas. He explained that cities are more than just places of challenge—they are also engines of innovation, creativity, and opportunity.

The World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) is working on many important programs. One of them is the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), which includes over 90 countries and encourages countries to grow in a green and sustainable way. Africa is at the heart of this alliance.

Big Names and Global Support

Several top officials joined the opening ceremony, including:

• HE Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Morocco

• HE Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council

• HE Younes Tazi, Wali (Governor) of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region

• Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary-General of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-AFRICA)

• HE Nathalie Fustier, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Morocco

• James Grabert, Director, Mitigation Division, UNFCCC

• HE Mounir Laymouri, Mayor of Tangier and President of the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Municipal Councils

These leaders all gave speeches and showed strong support for creating greener cities and working together to reduce pollution and support sustainable living.

United Arab Emirates: A Global Climate Leader

Al Tayer also spoke about the role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in fighting climate change. He said that the UAE’s leadership under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is focused on building partnerships across the world to solve climate challenges together.

He also thanked the strategic partners of the event:

• Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Morocco

• Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council

• United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-AFRICA)

Turning Ideas into Action

Al Tayer made it clear that this forum is not just about speeches. He said the real goal is to move from talking to doing. This includes:

• Helping local governments find ways to plan and fund green projects

• Encouraging African countries to lead in clean energy, green buildings, and smart transport

• Creating strong partnerships between governments, companies, schools, and communities

• Supporting innovation to make green goals a reality

He also said that this forum connects to important global meetings, including COP28 and COP29, and will help shape the upcoming World Green Economy Summit 2025 in Dubai.

Carbon Neutral Cities Initiative and African Leadership

WGEO, in partnership with UCLG-AFRICA, is leading a special project called the Cities Carbon Neutral Initiative. This initiative helps African cities become low-carbon and climate-resilient.

Al Tayer opened the High-Level African Mayors' Roundtable at the forum. In his opening remarks, he said, “From Tangier to Cairo, let us amplify a powerful message: African cities are not just facing the climate crisis; they are leading the solutions.”

Youth Have a Big Role to Play

One of the special parts of the forum was the Youth Roundtable. The session was titled "Mentoring the Future – Nurturing Young Leaders for a Sustainable World." Al Tayer welcomed young people and said they are not just future leaders—they are leaders today.

He told them that the green economy needs new thinking and bold action, and it will rely heavily on the courage and ideas of youth. He warned that if the world continues with unbalanced development, it will face even more problems such as loss of biodiversity and worsening climate conditions.

Leaders Show Strong Support

HE Leila Benali’s Message

HE Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, said that Morocco joined the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE) in November 2023. This shows Morocco’s strong decision to follow a fair, inclusive, and green path.

She praised the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council and UCLG-Africa for pushing sustainability at the local level. Benali stated that going green is no longer a choice—it’s a must for solving today’s growing climate and development issues.

She said Morocco is updating its National Strategy for Sustainable Development in line with its New Development Model and global commitments. The goal is to build an inclusive green economy by 2035.

HE Omar Moro’s Message

HE Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, said that their region wants to lead the green transformation and become a model for Africa. He said Tangier’s location, as a bridge between Africa and Europe, makes it a perfect place for green leadership.

He also announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Council and WGEO. This agreement will build stronger cooperation to develop green urban projects and create new ways to fund climate solutions.

A Springboard for Real Change

In his closing remarks, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer called on all participants—leaders, mayors, business people, young people, and experts—to work together and turn ideas into real action.

He said, "Let this forum be remembered not only for its dialogue, but also for the partnerships it fostered and the impactful solutions it launched across the African continent."

Why This Forum Matters

This forum is not just another event. It marks a turning point in how African cities are seen in the global fight against climate change. Rather than being only at risk, they are now leading the way forward with fresh ideas, strong leadership, and a shared mission to build greener, fairer, and better cities for everyone.