GCC and UNDP launch initiative to boost Arab connectivity, energy and trade

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a high-impact regional initiative in Riyadh to strengthen physical and digital connectivity, energy integration, and trade resilience across the Arab world. This initiative, unveiled during a High-Level Regional Roundtable attended by senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, and private sector leaders, aims to transform regulatory convergence into investment-ready platforms that can attract long-term financing for strategic cross-border infrastructure. By addressing regulatory and market bottlenecks, the partnership seeks to enhance economic cooperation, boost sustainable development, and improve regional resilience for all Arab States, with UNDP anchoring its support through its Regional Green Financing Platform. Priority follow-up actions include launching a regional assessment of market alignment, advancing preparatory work on cross-border investment opportunities, and establishing a Regional Partnership and Financing Framework to engage development finance institutions and sovereign investors. This initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive, sustainable economic growth and deeper regional integration in the Arab region.