HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), delivered the opening keynote at the first Regional Green Economy Forum (RGEF) 2025 in Tangier, Morocco. The event was held under the theme “Empowering African Cities: Paving the Path to Carbon Neutrality” and under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

Al Tayer expressed deep appreciation to King Mohammed VI for his support and vision in driving Morocco’s leadership in the global green economy. He also thanked the Kingdom of Morocco and the city of Tangier for hosting the forum and their commitment to sustainability.

The forum featured high-level speakers, including:

• HE Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Morocco
• Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General, UCLG-AFRICA
• James Grabert, Director, Mitigation Division, UNFCCC

WGEO reported that ministers, mayors, youth leaders, and experts from across Africa and globally joined the two-day forum to discuss sustainable strategies for achieving carbon neutrality in African cities.

Al Tayer highlighted the UAE’s efforts in international climate cooperation, noting leadership support from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He also acknowledged the forum’s strategic partners, including Morocco’s Ministry of Energy, the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, and UCLG-AFRICA.

He emphasized that African cities face urgent challenges such as rising temperatures and water scarcity. However, he noted cities also hold the power to drive climate solutions and positive transformation.

Al Tayer stated that WGEO’s Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), involving over 90 countries, provides a platform for inclusive and resilient growth. He announced the Cities Carbon Neutral Initiative in collaboration with UCLG-Africa, aiming to equip African cities for the green transition.

The forum’s goals included supporting local governments in planning and financing sustainable projects, boosting African leadership in green sectors, and fostering collaboration among public and private stakeholders.

Al Tayer also linked the forum’s mission to the outcomes of COP28 and upcoming COP29, emphasizing its role in shaping the World Green Economy Summit 2025, set to take place in Dubai.

He reaffirmed WGEO’s commitment to an inclusive dialogue that engages all voices local authorities, youth, and communities. He encouraged the scaling of successful models in solar energy, green mobility, and waste-to-energy, while promoting green investment and innovation.

HE Leila Benali revealed that Morocco’s accession to GAGE in 2023 reflects its strategic push for a fair and sustainable development model. She stressed the urgent need for a green transition and noted the role of cities in achieving this.

Benali highlighted Morocco’s National Strategy for Sustainable Development, aligned with international frameworks, aiming for an inclusive green economy by 2035.

HE Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with WGEO to promote green urban development and climate finance. He reaffirmed the region’s leadership role as a link between Africa and Europe in green transformation.

The forum also included the High-Level African Mayors’ Roundtable and a Youth Roundtable, where Al Tayer underscored the importance of youth as today’s partners in climate action.

He concluded by urging all participants to shift from discussion to implementation and to remember the forum for its partnerships and impactful outcomes.

The event reinforced WGEO’s call to action: to build carbon-neutral cities across Africa and drive the continent’s green economy forward.

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