Global Leaders Gather in Riyadh for UNCCD COP16 to Tackle Land Challenges

UNCCD COP16: A Call to Action in Riyadh

The bustling city of Riyadh is set to host a landmark event—the UNCCD COP16 conference, which marks the largest meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ever held. Running from December 2 to 13, 2024, this pivotal gathering brings together global dignitaries, policymakers, scientists, and NGOs to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: land degradation and its associated crises of desertification and drought.

With nearly 40% of the planet affected by land degradation—impacting the lives of over 3.2 billion people—the urgency for action has never been greater. As delegates arrive in Riyadh, the agenda is packed with ministerial dialogues and high-profile summits aimed at driving multilateral action on land restoration.

One of the key highlights of the conference is the launch of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Initiative by Saudi Arabia’s UNCCD Presidency. This initiative seeks to enhance international efforts toward drought resilience and advocates for a cohesive, proactive approach to this global challenge. Coinciding with this launch is the One Water Summit on December 3, where global leaders—including President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan—will discuss solutions to address global water scarcity.

The conference will also unveil the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, inviting hundreds of stakeholders—from business leaders to policymakers—to explore advancements in environmental practices and share best practices in sustainability. This forum aims to delve into the progress made in energy and environmental initiatives under the Saudi Green Initiative, continuing the nation’s commitment to fostering a greener future.

Complementing this are multiple sessions at the Second International Forum on Greening Technologies, which will run from December 6 to 8. Here, experts will discuss innovations in greening projects from around the world, showcasing groundbreaking research and scientific advancements in restoration efforts.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister for Environment, highlighted the critical nature of COP16, stating, “For too long, these devastating global crises have not received the attention they deserve on the international stage. As hosts, we welcome the world to Riyadh to help find lasting solutions.” This sentiment resonates deeply as the conference sets out to mobilize multilateral action to combat the dual challenges of land degradation and drought.

The Action Agenda under COP16 aims to galvanize the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including businesses, farmers, and indigenous communities, to drive practical solutions. Nigel Topping, founder of Ambition Loop, remarked on its ambitious vision to harness the energies of non-state actors to make measurable progress toward the UNCCD’s goals.

As the first UNCCD conference held in the Middle East, COP16 promises to pave the way for new collaborations and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering resilience against land degradation and drought. The conference not only signifies a momentous occasion for Saudi Arabia but also a hopeful step towards safeguarding our precious natural resources for future generations.

As attendees gather in Riyadh, the overarching theme—Our Land. Our Future—serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainability. The outcomes of COP16 will likely set a new course for international efforts to combat land degradation and its consequences across the globe.

For further updates and information on the UNCCD COP16, participants and interested parties can visit UNCCDCOP16.org.