UNDP is collaborating with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat-General to organize a high-level dialogue builds on the outcomes of the GCC-UNDP Regional Roundtable on Connectivity, Strategic Convergence and Investment Resilience convened in Riyadh in June 2026, which brought together government representatives from all GCC member states, regional institutions, development partners and private sector stakeholders to explore opportunities for advancing regional connectivity, resilience and investment across the Arab States region. The Riyadh discussions highlighted the growing importance of regional coordination and integrated approaches linking clean and secure energy systems, trade and transport corridors, digital connectivity and investment platforms to strengthen regional and country resilience, support economic cooperation and accelerate sustainable development.  

The event will seek to build awareness, understanding and broad-based support around the Regional Convergence for Energy, Trade and Connectivity Initiative, being developed by UNDP's Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS (RBEC), in partnership with the GCC Secretariat-General and relevant governments and key stakeholders. It will provide a focused platform for governments, regional organizations, development finance institutions, sovereign investors and private sector leaders to align around the initiative's value proposition and agree on the next steps for the initiative after UNGA. 

The dialogue will explore opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation across renewable energy deployment, regional electricity markets, trade and transport corridors, food systems and value chains, digital connectivity and investment platforms. It will also seek agreement on a structured process for taking the initiative forward beyond UNGA, including the development of a roadmap, priority workstreams and implementation pathways supported by relevant technical expertise and financing partnerships.