Introducing the Carboun Institute
What is the Carboun Institute?
The Carboun Institute is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's first independent climate and energy policy think tank. Launched in 2025 as a not-for-profit organization and registered as a Dutch foundation (Stichting Carboun Institute) to ensure its independence and adherence to international standards of transparency and governance.
The Institute focuses on addressing the pressing climate challenges facing the MENA region. We are dedicated to driving change through evidence-based research, policy analysis, and advocacy, with our work centered on accelerating decarbonization and energy transition, enhancing climate resilience and adaptation, and strengthening regional climate diplomacy.
The Institute's name, Carboun, is a transliteration of the Arabic pronunciation of the element Carbon. the most elemental constituent of life, the source of most of our energy, and - more recently - the main driving factor behind our planet's climate change.
Bridging Science and Regional Realities
At the Carboun Institute, we recognize that the MENA region is outlier in its growing carbon footprint and its vulnerability to climate change impacts. Yet the region also possesses tremendous potential for sustainable development and innovative climate solutions.
Our approach is rooted in rigorous, multidisciplinary research that bridges the gap between global climate science and regional realities. We develop evidence-based policy recommendations tailored to the unique contexts of our region, taking into account its diverse environmental, economic, and social landscapes.
We believe that the energy transition and climate action require collaboration across sectors and borders. That's why we actively foster partnerships with governments, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector throughout the MENA region. Through these collaborations, we aim to create a robust network of climate leaders and innovators across the region.
Empowering a Sustainable Future
Knowledge sharing and capacity building are central to our mission. We organize workshops and policy dialogues to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive meaningful climate action. Our advocacy efforts span local, national, and regional levels, always grounded in sound science and a deep understanding of regional dynamics.
By providing independent, high-quality research and analysis, the Carboun Institute aims to influence progressive climate policies aligned with the Paris Agreement, enhance regional cooperation on shared climate challenges, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. We envision a future where the MENA region not only adapts to climate change but becomes a global leader in innovative climate solutions.