"Environment and sustainable development are becoming major areas of interest for the international community and, particularly, the Muslim world," he said in his keynote speech.
He called for increased investment from the private sector to support government efforts to protect the environment.
The prince also sought the cooperation of nations in efforts to take corrective measures at a time when the world and the region are witnessing the impact of climate change.
"The Kingdom is keen on cooperation with the international community to face the challenges posed by climate changes. It seeks to develop technologies of clean and renewable energy alike," he said, adding he wants all countries to deal with all sources of fossil energy and its emissions with transparency and without bias.
The forum's main conference begins Monday and will continue through Tuesday with panel sessions on techniques and technologies for environmental protection, the role of trade, industry and energy in preserving the environment and meeting the challenges of climate change.
