The MENA region is witnessing significant transformation in its diplomatic landscape as climate change and energy transition reshape traditional alliances and create new partnership opportunities. Gulf states are increasingly leveraging their substantial financial resources to invest in renewable energy projects across Africa and Asia, enhancing their diplomatic influence while simultaneously diversifying their economies away from hydrocarbon dependence. Regional countries are also navigating complex relationships with global powers investing in clean energy infrastructure throughout the area. China's growing presence in regional renewable energy projects, critical mineral development, and green manufacturing creates both opportunities and challenges for MENA countries seeking to maintain strategic autonomy while accessing needed technology and investment capital.

At the same time, intensifying climate impacts are creating new security challenges that require innovative diplomatic solutions. Transboundary water management in increasingly stressed river basins, climate-induced migration across vulnerable borders, and mounting food security concerns increasingly demand more sophisticated regional cooperation mechanisms. The program provides policymakers with comprehensive strategic analysis of climate-security risks and diplomatic opportunities, practical guidance on partnership development and negotiation positioning, and effective frameworks for enhanced regional cooperation on shared climate challenges.

Through research, inclusive dialogue facilitation, and capacity building initiatives, we help regional actors navigate the complex intersection of climate policy and international relations to advance both ambitious climate action and core strategic interests. Our work is organized around the three workstreams detailed below: