Riyadh, March 02, 2026, SPA — The Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF) has strengthened its international presence in the fields of science, technology, and innovation by announcing its participation in the 29th session of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). The CSTD secretariat has been hosted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 1993, following the approval of SGBF’s participation in CSTD’s work in an advisory capacity.
The CSTD will convene its sessions from April 20 to 24, 2026, in the Assembly Hall at the Palais des Nationsin Geneva, Switzerland, with the participation of representatives from member governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
The SGBF will present a working paper focusing on data-driven pathways towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the SGBF’s role in promoting the sustainable construction sector and fostering development grounded in scientific evidence and innovation.
SGBF Secretary General Eng
Faisal Alfadl affirmed that the participation comes at a pivotal moment marked by a global acceleration in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
He indicated that the true value today lies not in the volume of data, but in its reliability and verifiability.
“Through the saaf® system, we work to transform data into measurable decisions that enhance resource efficiency, strengthen sustainability in the built environment, and improve quality of life,” he said.
Alfadl also indicated that the saaf® evaluation and compliance system is based on an advanced methodology founded on the principle of sufficiency first, as the technical basis to ensure the achievement of genuine and verifiable carbon neutrality.
This approach avoids premature claims that adopt the concept of ‘low carbon’ without fundamentally addressing demand, he noted.