The Saudi Green Building Forum has presented its experience in using endowments to support sustainable development during a United Nations roundtable held alongside the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UNDP headquarters in New York. The event, titled “Enhancing the Role of Endowments in Sustainable Development and South-South Cooperation,” was organized by the General Authority for Awqaf in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, also attended the session.
The forum was invited by the General Authority for Awqaf to share its journey as the first endowment dedicated to the built environment and sustainable development. It was presented as a successful national model that demonstrates how endowments can support governance, encourage partnerships, and contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the discussion, Eng. Faisal Alfadl, Secretary-General of the Saudi Green Building Forum, explained how the organization has evolved since its establishment in 2010. He noted that the forum became a public endowment in 2014, marking an important step in expanding its role in sustainable development. According to Alfadl, Saudi endowments have moved beyond their traditional purpose of managing and preserving property. They now function as professional organizations that invest in people, support development projects, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage innovation across different sectors.
Alfadl also highlighted that the forum has helped change the perception of endowments by showing how they can become long-term drivers of sustainable growth. The forum follows a modern governance model that brings together government agencies, private companies, civil society organizations, and international institutions. Its work is built around four main priorities: education and capacity building, decent work and economic growth, climate action, and partnerships. Through these focus areas, the forum contributes to broader sustainability goals, including clean water, renewable energy, green industry, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption.
Over the years, the Saudi Green Building Forum has expanded its reach and impact. It now has more than 10,000 members and has documented over 5,000 sustainability-related projects. The organization has also organized conferences, training programs, and awareness initiatives to promote sustainable building practices. In addition, it has launched a marketplace to support sustainable businesses and introduced specialized awards that recognize achievements in green development.
The forum’s presentation at the United Nations highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize its non-profit sector by transforming traditional endowments into institutions that create lasting social, economic, and environmental value. Through this approach, the Kingdom aims to strengthen sustainable development, encourage innovation, and create long-term benefits for future generations while positioning itself as a global example of how endowments can contribute to national and international development goals.
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