Urgent Actions at COP16: Tackling Land Degradation and Desertification

Joint Efforts to Combat Land Degradation at COP16

The ongoing COP16, held in Riyadh, marks the largest gathering ever for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Running from December 2 to 13, 2024, this pivotal conference addresses critical global issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought—a phenomenon affecting nearly 40% of our planet and significantly impacting the lives of over 3.2 billion individuals.

A Countdown to Action

As world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and non-governmental organizations converge in the Saudi capital, a robust agenda awaits. This year’s COP16 is set to catalyze international initiatives aimed at enhancing land restoration and resilience against drought. High-profile summits and ministerial dialogues aim to forge strategies and partnerships necessary for making tangible progress amid escalating environmental crises.

The first day featured the launch of the Riyadh Global Initiative for Drought Resilience. This initiative seeks to galvanize international action by establishing a cohesive framework for tackling drought challenges. The event underscores a collective commitment to develop long-term, scalable solutions.

High-Profile Summits and Collaborative Platforms

One Water Summit, scheduled for December 3, places a spotlight on global water scarcity and the multifaceted challenges tied to water management. Notably, the summit will welcome leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, alongside the President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga. The collaboration aims to strengthen global water governance and inspire practical solutions to water-related crises.

In conjunction with these discussions, the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, taking place from December 2-3, assembles global policy-makers and business leaders. The forum intends to evaluate progress in energy and environmental sectors, sharing best practices and insights for sustainable practices worldwide.

Furthermore, from December 6-8, the Second International Forum on Green Technologies promises to explore transformative ecological projects and showcase scientific advancements in global restoration efforts.

The Urgency of the Moment

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, the Vice Minister of Environment for Saudi Arabia, emphasized the dire need for focused attention on land degradation and its implications.