Introduction:
The issue of climate change has gained prominence in global, regional, and national forums due
to the significant challenges it poses to economic, human, and natural resources in their social,
economic, and environmental dimensions. The Arab region is not immune to these challenges,
despite its available human capital and natural and renewable resources, but it also has the
potential to benefit from the opportunities that arise from them. Undoubtedly, rigorousscientific
research is one of the most potent and proven methods to draw policy recommendations that
policymakers can useto address climate change.
The Arab region is undergoing rapid population growth and urbanization, leading to a pattern of
demographic shift that could result in future labour force shortages. Around 18 of the 22 Arab countries suffer from at least one or various forms of water scarcity. The energy sector is no
different as it poses significant challenges to both oil-exportingand oil-importing countries. The
dependence on fossil energy also threatens the stability of oil-producing countries, highlighting
the need for the energy transition to ensure sustainable development.
The economic damages caused by climate change in the Arab region have already exceeded $40
billion since the turn of the century, according to recent research findings. Nevertheless, the
global trend towards addressing climate issues provides a unique opportunity for researchers,
scientists, and specialists in the region to map potential scenarios, explore opportunities, and
identify risks as we evolve our approach to facing the climate crisis. The most recent iteration of the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) held in Sharm ElSheikh, Egypt, COP27, in 2022, followed by COP28 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates,
provides a vital incentive for the competent stakeholders in the region to produce working
papers, scientific research, and applied studies that serve policymakers in addressing the
challenges of climate change and seizing the most significant opportunities.
Therefore, the Arab Society for Economic Research, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin
Rashid School of Government in Dubai, is organizing its seventeenth scientific conference on the
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th and 5th of November 2023 in Dubai. The conference titled; “Climate Change and its
Implications on Arab Economic Development,” will discuss the main themes of climate change
impacts, sustainable development, energy transition, and climate finance. The conference will
provide a platform for policymakers and researchers to exchange ideas and develop effective
solutions to address the challenges of climate change in the Arab region. The conference will
discuss the following themes:
First: The Impact of Climate Change on Sustainable Development in the Arab Region and
developing economies: “A Forward-looking Approach” :
– Long-run outlook considering structural shifts in development and climate in the Arab
region and developing economies between COP27 and COP28, as well as the resulting
transformations in energy and technology.
– Implications of climate developments for Arab development and developing economies
efforts and the future of theseeconomies between COP27 and COP28 conferences.
– Policies to confront climate change in Arab countries and developing economies.
– Role of Arab development and financing institutions in facing climate challenges in the
region.
– Lessons learned from challenges and crises facing the world today on existing efforts to
integrate Arab economy: Examples from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and the Gulfarea.
– Maximizing benefits from programs of international development and financing
institutions to meet challenges of climate change, with simulation and lessons learned
based on the economic situation of Arab countries: oil countries, economically diversified
countries, and poor Arab countries.
– Requirements for good governance to develop policies and legislation to address climate
challenges in the Arab region.
– Resilience to absorb consequences of climate change on the Arab region and developing
economies.
– Role of policiesand financing in transition to a green economy.
Second: The Future of Water, Food, and Energy in the Arab region and developing
economies:
– The role of Arab cooperation in achieving water and food security requirements in the
Arab region.
– Partnership projects and their role in achieving a better future for water and energy.Arab food security in the face of current and future global developments under climate
change.
– Water, agriculture, and energy economies and their role in addressing climate change.
– Mutual reliance and its role in addressing gaps in water, food, and energy.
– Climate change and energy transformation in Arab countries and developing economies.
– An outlook of alternative and renewable energy in the Arab region and the developing
world.
Third: Green Economy and Sustainable Development in the Arab region and developing
economies:
– Policies for responsible consumption in light of global climate change.
– The role of social responsibility in achieving Green Economy requirements in the Arab
world and developing economies.
– Development-driving sectors in the Green Economy systemModels and experiences of the transition to a Green Economy.
– Quantitative determinants in water, agriculture, energy, and industry sectors and their
role in promoting the Green Economy.
Fourth: Global technological transformations and their role in adapting to and mitigating
the expected implications of climate change:
– Metaverse technologies and their role in mitigating the impact of climate change on
developingeconomies.
– Technological infrastructure and its ability to enhance the capacity of economic sectors to
adapt to climate and development challenges.
– The Arab economy and its approach to new technologies and evolutions in mitigation and
adaptation policies. – Modern technologies and their role in drivinginnovation in the growth-driving economic
sectors.
– Utilizing artificial intelligence to combat climate change: opportunities and challenges