MC
Hawra Al Farsi
Opening Speech
HE Abdullah Ali Al Amri
Chairman, Environment Authority
HE Mukhtar Babayev
COP29 President, Minister of Ecology and Natural
Resources of Azerbaijan
Recorded Keynote Speech
HE Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi
Secretary General
Gulf Cooperation Council
Recorded Keynote Speech
HE Amina Mohamed
Deputy Secretary-General
Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG)
Currency Launch Announcement – Central Bank
Recorded Keynote Speech
HE Astrid Schomaker
Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity
Keynote Speech
Sophie Howe
Future Generations
Commissioner for Wales
Children Musical Show – United International School
Exhibition Opening
Environmental protection and climatic affairs: policies and achievements
This high-level dialogue will highlight the ambitious plans, innovative policies, and significant milestones accomplished UNFCCC Parties as they transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future. We will explore key topics such as National Net-Zero Strategies, highlighting strategic frameworks and long-term visions. Insights into regional cooperation, stability and partnerships that enhance the collective ability to meet their targets. Providing a comprehensive understanding of the region’s leadership in global climate action.
Moderator
HH Sayyed Adham Al Said
Assistant professor of Economic
H.E Ali Mohamed
Special Envoy for Climate Change, Kenya
HE Dr. Grethel Aguilar
Director General
UNFCCC: Operationalizing Article 6 of Paris Agreement in the MENA region
As part of Oman Climate Week 2025, the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Center for MENA and South Asia will host a Side event designed to provide an engaging platform for a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, government, and civil society.
This session will offer an in-depth overview of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, with a focus on Articles 6.2, 6.4, and 6.8. reflecting on any relevant COP 29 outcomes where appropriate. The Side event will explore how voluntary, compliance, and Article 6 carbon markets can interact to foster international cooperation and mobilize private climate finance to meet Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
GCC holds a significant portion of mitigation opportunities, in sectors such as energy, waste, buildings, Oil & Gas, etc. These mitigation activities, upon receiving authorisations could be used by countries NDC targets. In cases where projects do not secure authorization, the resulting emission reductions could potentially be used as Mitigation Contribution Units (MCUs). The Side event will provide a detailed explanation of the distinctions between Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), Article 6.4 Emission Reductions (ERs), and MCUs.
Provide an overview of Article 6, including its Rules, Modalities, and Procedures (RMPs), reporting and review under Article 6.2, the status of Article 6.4, and relevant UNFCCC capacity-building initiatives.
Offer a detailed review of Article 6’s milestones, focusing on operationalizing its provisions. Topics include participation requirements for Articles 6.2 and 6.4, necessary technical, regulatory, and institutional arrangements, the Positive List, authorizations, corresponding adjustments, approved mechanisms, documents that provide transparent information on mitigation activities, and the validation of Article 6.2 pilot projects
In-depth analysis of the key functions of carbon registries, focusing on technical components and country-specific contexts, while underscoring their essential role in managing carbon credits and ensuring adherence to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
Examine how voluntary, compliance, and Article 6 carbon markets interact and their potential to support climate action.
Collaboratively identify challenges in integrating these market mechanisms.
Brainstorm practical strategies to address these challenges, particularly from a private sector perspective.
The event will also include a group activity where participants will share their experiences, highlighting the status of Article 6 operationalization in their respective countries, challenges encountered, and capacity-building support needed and received.
Opening Remarks
Dr.Ibrahim Al-Ajmi
Advisor of Climate Affairs to Chairman of Environment
Authority, Sultanate of Oman
Moderator
Ms. Ana Vukoje
Regional Lead
UNFCCC-WGEO Regional
Collaboration Center for
the MENA and South Asia
Speakers
Mr. Umamaheswaran Krishnan
Article 6 and Carbon Pricing Reg Expert
UNFCCC-WGEO Regional Collaboration
Centre for the MENA and South Asia
Mr. Abdulrahim Sultan
Director General
World Green Economy Organization WGEO
Mr. Perumal Arumugam
Manager, Implementation
Coordination subdivision,
UNFCCC Secretariat
Closing Remarks
Mr. Abdulrahim Sultan
Director General
World Green Economy Organization
WGEO
Break & Networking
Panel: Decarbonizing Hard To abate industries
Decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and developing future sustainable cities requires transformative solutions across sectors like steel, aviation, logistics, construction, manufacturing, and food. Innovations in green steel, sustainable aviation fuels, low-emission logistics, eco-friendly construction, and circular manufacturing practices are essential. These efforts will drive the transition to resilient, low-carbon urban environments, aligning economic growth with climate goals.
Moderator
Annalena Hagenauer
Principal
Boston Consulting Group
Speakers
Dr. Hilal Saif AL Dhamri
CEO
Raysut Cement Company
Mr. Khalil Al Hooti
Vice President Marine
Asyad Shipping
Faiza Al-Harthy
Head of Energy &
Water Policy
PDO
Break & Networking
UNFCCC: Advancing the development and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the MENA region post COP-29
The sixth assessment report of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 60% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, and that adaptation and mitigation must be pursued with equal force and urgency to advance sustainable development for all. The outcome of the first Global Stocktake, (GST) which was finalized at COP28, underlined that despite overall progress on mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation and support, the world is not yet on track towards achieving the objective of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals.
The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), referred to as NDCs 3.0, need to be progressive and more ambitious than current NDCs as they may be the last opportunity to put global greenhouse gas emission in a trajectory that is in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 C goal. To address this, COP28 encouraged Parties to come forward with ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets, covering all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories and aligned with the 1.5°C limit in their NDCs 3.0. At COP29, Parties continued to make progress through a global agreement on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and on a new collective quantified goal on climate finance that will help to translate the pledges made at COP28 into action on the ground through the implementation of NDCs.
Opening Remarks
Mr. Muhammad Taimur
Ali Khan Gandapur
Manager, Implementation Coordination
Subdivision
Strengthening NDCs in light of the outcome of the
first Global Stocktake and COP29 outcomes
Mr. Khaled Bedoui
NDC & LT-LEDS Expert & Coordinator, RCC MENA and South Asia
Article 6 as a tool for ambitious NDC implementation: experiences from MENA region
Mr. Umamaheswaran Krishnan
Article 6 and Carbon Pricing Reg Expert UNFCCC-WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre for the MENA and South Asia
Executive Panel: Closing the Gap Between Climate Adaptation and Climate Mitigation
Addressing the urgent need to bridge the gap between climate adaptation and mitigation requires integrated approaches that combine innovative strategies, such as nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable land use planning. In this session, we will also examine the challenges and opportunities in accessing climate finance for projects in Oman and the MENA region. Discussions will focus on the role of international climate funds, development banks, and financial institutions in supporting these efforts. Strategies to improve access to funding—such as capacity building, project development assistance, and strengthening financial institutions—will be highlighted to ensure a cohesive and effective response to climate challenges.
H.E. Dr. Alanoud Alhaj
Assistant Undersecretary for the Green
Development and Climate Change
Ministry of Climate Change and
Environment
Dr. Thaer Yaseen
FAO Representative in Oman (Ad Interim)
PANEL: Carbon Capture and Removals
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): Innovations in Reducing Emissions. Examine the latest advancements in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. Discover their potential, risks, and opportunities to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors. We examine how carbon removal solutions such as mineralisation, wetland Restoration, Soil Carbon Sequestration, Blue Carbon Ecosystems, and Biochar Production can help eliminate CO2 but also provide a wide range of co-benefits, including biodiversity conservation.
Break & Networking
PANEL: Advancements in Renewable Energy: Harnessing Solar, Wind and Alternative for Sustainable Growth
Explore projects and the latest technologies in solar, wind, renewable hydrogen and the development of global renewable energy corridors opening up opportunities and the potential for large-scale adoption of clean energy.
Ahmed ABDEL MAGIED
Senior BD Manager Oman
Hyerin Park
Senior Business Developer
Hydrogen
ENGIE
Paul Smith
SVP Global Sales
EnergyDome
PANEL: Preserving Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Protecting Natural Habitats in a Changing Climate
Safeguarding natural habitats amidst climate change is crucial for adaptation. We explore the vital role of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems in fostering resilience and discuss the profound interdependence between the health of our ecosystems and humanity.
Moderator
Dr.Thuraya Said AL Sariri
Assistance DG of Nature Conservation
Maan Iskandar
Director, Green Energy & Env. Policy
Liam McCann
International Agriculture & Land Use Lead UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Break & Networking
PANEL: Green Copper: Unlocking Value from tailings
Moderator
Hanife Ymer
Chair of Australian Business Group
Oman
Chris Jordinson
Chief Executive Officer
Rashid bin Salim Abdullah Al-Toqi
Head of Risk & Compliance, Minerals
Development Oman (MDO)
PANEL: Empowering the next generation: the role of youth activists in driving climate action
As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, young leaders are stepping up to challenge the status quo and advocate for bold, sustainable solutions. This session will highlight the unique
perspectives and innovative strategies that young activists bring to the table, from grassroots movements to global campaigns. Panelists will discuss the power of youth-led initiatives, the barriers they face,
and the transformative impact they can have in shaping policies, raising awareness, and inspiring action across generations
Moderator
Samiya Sheikh
Outgoing Curator & Climate Lead
Global Shapers – Muscat Hub
Keynote
Hafidh Al Shukairi
Co-founder and President
Madad for Development
Panelists
Niina Kylliainen
Climate Change Regional Advisor at
UNICEF’s Middle East and North
Africa Regional Office in Amman,
Jordan
Neeshad Shafi
Manager – Stakeholder
Engagement
Offset8 Capital
Samira Mulla Al Balushi
Climate and Policy Advocate
Basmantna Gheer
