Saudi Arabia is the largest country in West Asia with vast natural resources, diverse and vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity. In 2016, the Saudi Government launched an ambitious transformational plan, called Vision 2030 which expresses the Kingdom's long-term goals and expectations and reflects the country’s strengths and capabilities. It includes a sweeping set of programs and reforms to be implemented by 2030. It is built around three themes: A vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Environment, sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals are embodied across the three themes. Following the endorsement of the National Environment Strategy in 2018, environment governance is undergoing a profound reform with the ultimate aim of safeguarding the environment and natural resources of the Kingdom and contribute to the achievement of economic prosperity and SDGs. To support such transformation, the Government of Saudi Arabia requested UNEP to provide the required technical assistance to support the implementation of the environment strategy. The agreement to enter into a strategic partnership with the Government was signed on 19 May 2019 with a total government funding of US $25,256,000 over five years period. Environmental challenges and priorities as well as capacity development needs were elaborated during the preparation of the strategic cooperation agreement and its work plan.