Monday 08 / December / 2025
Muscat: The proceedings of the International Forum on Green Innovation and its Role in Achieving Sustainable Development in the Arab World commenced today in Muscat.
Organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in cooperation with the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, the forum involves the participation of over 200 attendees from regional and international organizations and specialized research institutions in the fields of environment, agriculture, and sustainable energy.
The forum is being organised amidst the accelerated environmental and climatic challenges the world is witnessing, which necessitate the adoption of development models based on sustainability. Green innovation represents one of the fundamental enablers for transitioning towards a circular economy and achieving carbon neutrality, through the integration of research with technology and environmental entrepreneurship.
The forum aims to enhance Arab integration in the fields of green innovation and sustainable development by exchanging expertise between research institutions and regional organizations, and supporting national policies and initiatives related to environment, energy, smart agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, affirmed that Oman's hosting of the Green Innovation Forum as part of the 47th session of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils reaffirms Oman's commitment to supporting pathways of green innovation as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development, in alignment with the approaches of Oman Vision 2040 towards balancing economic growth requirements with environmental protection.
She pointed out that green innovation has today become a key enabling element for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, the circular economy, and clean technologies.
For his part, Prof. Abdelmajid Benamara, Secretary General of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, explained that Arab countries have moved beyond the stage of building research capacities and now possess scientific systems capable of producing solid, globally classified research.
He affirmed that the time has come to transition from merely producing knowledge to transforming scientific research outputs into products, patents, and startups that have a direct impact on societies.
The forum's program included visual presentations, among them a presentation on "Opportunities for Transitioning towards a Circular Economy and its Role in Supporting the Achievement of Net-Zero Carbon by 2050," delivered by Dr. Buthaina Mahfoudh Al Wuhaibi from Nama Water Services, in addition to a presentation on "Research Support and Capacity Building Programs" delivered by Dr. Salah Somar Al Zadjali from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
The forum comprised three main scientific sessions. The first discussed the future of green innovation and the latest research trends in renewable energy, resource management, and the circular economy, alongside discussing the opportunities and challenges associated with achieving net-zero.
The second session focused on practical solutions in the field of renewable energy and green technologies, including presentations on solar systems, plant root engineering reshaping via microbes, and the biological conversion of waste to produce protein, biofuels, and fertilizers.
The third session discussed innovation in waste management and enhancing the circular economy through international experiences, recycling technologies, innovative models for biomaterial production, and the use of artificial intelligence in developing environmental solutions.
The forum saw participation from several specialized entities, including the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, the Association of Desert Research Centers, and the Arab Union for Sustainable Development and Environment.
The forum serves as a regional scientific platform that brings together experts, decision-makers, and researchers to anticipate future trends and enhance Arab cooperation in supporting green innovation and achieving sustainable development.
