Saudi Arabia's Groundbreaking Initiative to Combat Global Drought at UNCCD COP16

On December 3, 2024, Saudi Arabia took a significant step towards addressing the global challenge of drought by launching the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership during the UN Convention to Combat Desertification's 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) held in Riyadh. This initiative represents a shift from traditional reactive measures to a more proactive approach in combating drought.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, emphasized that this partnership aims to enhance global drought management by improving early warning systems, financing strategies, vulnerability assessments, and risk mitigation techniques. The partnership is expected to function as a global facilitator, serving as a 'one-stop shop' for drought resilience. Its focus will be on mobilizing funds and resources to prepare for and mitigate the effects of drought, rather than merely responding to crises as they arise.

"We invite countries, NGOs, scientists, and financial institutions to join us in this vital partnership aimed at fostering a drought-resilient future," said Dr. Faqeeha. He pointed out the importance of taking preventative measures, stating that proactive actions are not only more effective but also cost-efficient when compared to reactive responses following the onset of drought.

The Riyadh Partnership will operate under a permanent office responsible for connecting vulnerable nations and communities with available resources and ongoing initiatives. Saudi Arabia has committed to supporting operational costs for at least ten years to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the partnership. In addition, unlocking new funding mechanisms for drought resilience, such as enhancing access to credit, insurance products, and grants, will be a priority.

According to Ibrahim Thiaw, the Executive Secretary of UNCCD, drought affects almost every region globally, with nearly 1.84 billion people impacted in 2022. He highlighted that 85% of those affected live in low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing the collective responsibility to alleviate the severe impacts of drought. The global community is expected to leverage the alliance to foster financial and political support for drought resilience efforts.

Droughts have been known to trigger food and water insecurity, displacing populations and inflicting significant economic damage on affected regions. A UNCCD report indicates that between 2020 and 2023, over 55 countries declared drought emergencies, further highlighting the urgency of effective measures. In certain regions, such as Africa and Latin America, substantial portions of land were reported to be affected by droughts during 2016-2019.

The UNCCD COP16 conference, which runs from December 2 to 13, 2024, under the theme 'Our Land. Our Future,' highlights critical issues such as land restoration and drought resilience. This partnership is integral to the broader objective of securing multilateral action on environmental challenges.

As the world grapples with increasing environmental stressors, initiatives like the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership demonstrate how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change. By fostering a shift in mindsets from reactive crisis management to proactive planning, Saudi Arabia sets a precedent for other nations to follow, emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation in mitigating the impacts of drought.

In conclusion, as the Riyadh Partnership takes shape, the hope is that it will inspire countries and organizations globally to join forces in creating a sustainable and effective response to one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time—drought.