COP16 Presidency Highlights Global Leadership In Sustainable Land Management And Drought Resilience Efforts

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the host of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), emphasised the need for increased global cooperation to tackle drought and land degradation. This was highlighted during a high-level session titled "Accelerating Global Action from Riyadh to Ulaanbaatar," held alongside the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Ministers, senior officials, international experts, including a Nobel laureate, and representatives from UN agencies, NGOs, indigenous communities, private sector entities, and financial institutions attended this session. The event commenced with opening remarks from prominent international figures. A keynote address followed, stressing the vital role of healthy land and drought resilience in ensuring stability and prosperity.

The keynote speaker highlighted land as a fundamental pillar of life on Earth. They discussed how degradation severely affects food and water security, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and social well-being. Drought mitigation measures were reviewed, including significant initiatives like the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership.

Two panel discussions were integral to the program. The first explored innovative financing for drought resilience with contributions from leading economists and heads of international financial institutions. The second discussion focused on accelerating land rehabilitation by promoting sustainable rangeland management to enhance livelihoods and ensure food and water security.

Senior UN officials concluded the session with remarks urging sustained momentum. They emphasised that commitments made in Riyadh should be carried forward to Ulaanbaatar for COP17 in 2026. Participants agreed that this event was crucial for renewing global political commitment to addressing land degradation and drought as comprehensive development challenges.

New financing solutions and mechanisms were presented as practical tools to mitigate risks associated with land degradation. Long-term partnerships between COP16 and COP17 presidencies were deemed essential for maintaining continuity in efforts. These collaborations aim to ensure that progress made is not lost but rather built upon in future conferences.

Saudi Arabia's Leadership Role

The COP16 Presidency under Saudi Arabia's leadership continues to pave the way towards COP17 in Ulaanbaatar in 2026. This ongoing effort seeks to uphold momentum while advancing commitments established in Riyadh. The focus remains on strengthening sustainable land management practices, safeguarding food and water security, and enhancing global resilience for future generations' benefit.

With inputs from SPA