The Commitment

Building on the International Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change, the Arab Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change calls on all funders across the 22 Arab countries, regardless of mission, to come together and commit to urgent action on climate injustice.

The actions of countries both outside and inside the region have led to Arab nations suffering disproportionate impacts of climate change, intensifying economic and social inequalities between and within communities.

The Arab region is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average. Studies predict the region could become 4°C warmer by 2050 if it continues on the same trajectory, potentially affecting 575 million people, including putting 70% of people in low-income countries at risk. We are already experiencing the increasingly disastrous effects of climate injustice, such as water scarcity, desertification, floods, sea-level rise, and rising temperatures, while also facing protracted conflicts, insecurity, and governance challenges. These challenges threaten the right to live and grow in healthy environments for more than half the population now and for many generations to come.

The Arab region faces significant challenges related to its dependency on fossil fuels, with economic risks as countries seek to diversify their economies and transition to renewable energy sources. The climate and conflict nexus makes the region particularly vulnerable to the compounded impacts of environmental degradation and socio-political instability. The region suffers from a lack of comprehensive climate data, hampering the ability to design and implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. Additionally, many countries have limited capacity to finance and implement the large-scale adaptation initiatives that are required.

We recognize that philanthropy in our region has a vital role to play in mobilizing resources, fostering innovation, supporting adaptation and mitigation efforts, filling the data gap, and leveraging our influencing power to curb the negative effects of climate injustice. Guided by our commitment to advance the public good, we must ensure that the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future is just and inclusive. This transition presents opportunities for the Arab world— new industries, sustainable livelihoods, and improved environmental health—but it also poses risks. We must work quickly and collaboratively to safeguard those who are most vulnerable to the economic, social, and environmental impacts of climate injustice.

We recognize that while all countries in the region are affected by climate injustice within differing contexts, it is this diversity of experiences and perspectives that provides us with a unique opportunity for sustainable regional impact. Our collective efforts must align with global frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, while being tailored to the specific needs and realities of the Arab world.

The above background is an urgent call to action. We believe that wide-scale collaboration through its framework will allow us to catalyze the transformative change needed to build a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. This commitment is a process of change and recognizes that signatories will have different starting points depending on capacity and resources.

We invite all philanthropic organizations in the Arab world to join us in this vital commitment to climate action.

You can read the pillars here: