COP16 Initiatives Propel Global Investment In Land Restoration At ChangeNOW Summit In Paris

Saudi Arabia is spearheading global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought through its leadership of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The Kingdom is working with 197 parties to enhance international cooperation and engage financial institutions and the private sector in addressing these critical environmental challenges.

The ChangeNOW 2025 Summit in Paris, held from April 24 to 26, was a platform where Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Environment and COP16 advisor, emphasised Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering partnerships with the global private sector. This collaboration aims to achieve the goals of the Business for Land Initiative (B4L), which was launched by the COP16 UNCCD Presidency to support worldwide land restoration efforts.

Dr. Faqeeha stated, "COP16 in Riyadh was a moonshot moment for global ambition on desertification, land degradation, and drought. We are proud to have hosted this historic milestone and are fully committed to delivering on the decisions, partnerships, and initiatives announced during our Presidency's term." This statement underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to fulfilling its promises made during its presidency.

The COP16 Presidency's active participation at the ChangeNOW 2025 Summit demonstrates its dedication to leading global environmental initiatives. The event featured a pavilion showcasing significant projects like the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, the Riyadh Action Agenda, and the Middle East Green Initiative. These initiatives highlight Saudi Arabia's role in addressing urgent environmental issues.

During the summit, the COP16 delegation engaged in panel discussions and workshops focused on innovative strategies for land management and drought resilience. These sessions provided an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to present its national and international environmental efforts. The Kingdom's involvement in these discussions reflects its commitment to finding sustainable solutions for pressing environmental challenges.

The initiatives highlighted at the summit aim to mobilise international cooperation and strengthen partnerships with financial institutions and private sectors worldwide. By doing so, Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance global efforts against desertification and promote sustainable land management practices.

Saudi Arabia's leadership in COP16 signifies a significant step towards addressing global environmental challenges. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including financial institutions and private sectors, the Kingdom aims to drive meaningful action against land degradation, desertification, and drought on a global scale.

With inputs from SPA