Saudi Arabia is one of the key participants at the United Nations 2012 Climate Change Conference (COP 18/CMP8) that is being hosted by Qatar. Representatives and government officials from 194 countries are taking part in the conference which opened Monday at the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha. Alongside the conference, the Qatar Sustainability Expo has been organized to present to the public the latest achievements on environmental issues. It will last till Dec. 7. Saudi Arabia is participating in the expo with a 2,000 square meter pavilion, made of environmentally friendly materials. The objective is to showcase the Kingdom’s efforts in fueling its economic development with cleaner, more efficient and environmentally sound technology. It is designed to highlight activities being conducted by organizations throughout the Kingdom in the areas of carbon management and climate change. These are being showcased at the pavilion in five sections: “Carbon Management and Energy Technologies,” “Energy Efficiency,” “Energy Sustainability,” “Renewable Energy” and “Clean Fuel and Gas Recovery, Flare Management and Minimization.” Seven Saudi companies and organizations are showcasing their achievements and projects. They include Saudi Aramco, Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), and Clean Development Mechanism, KSA DNA (Designated National Authority). “Climate change is a sustainable development issue which impacts us all, and reducing green house gases emissions is one of the great challenges of the 21st century,” said Ali Al-Naimi, minister of petroleum and mineral resources. “Saudi Arabia believes technology can provide the answers to our problems. All people and all governments share this responsibility, and by working together, we can make a difference.” Saudi Arabia is expecting the world delegates and the people of Qatar to experience the Kingdom’s progress and expertise in managing energy, and its efforts to contribute to a sustainable future. From : Arabnews