Razan Al Mubarak Advocates For Integrated Solutions At UNCCD COP16 In Riyadh

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), addressed the interconnected global environmental challenges at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She emphasised that integrated solutions are essential to tackle these issues effectively.

During her keynote speech on Land Day, Al Mubarak stressed that restoring land is crucial for combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and building resilient communities. "Land is more than a resource; it is the foundation of our resilience and the stage where we can deliver transformative solutions for a sustainable future," she stated.

The Action Agenda introduced at COP16 signifies a significant step in uniting various stakeholders, including governments, private sector leaders, civil society, and indigenous communities. This initiative aims to restore degraded lands, enhance resilience, and align efforts across the three Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate, and desertification.

Al Mubarak highlighted Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as a key strategy for addressing interconnected crises. "Nature-based Solutions provide a roadmap for addressing land degradation, enhancing carbon storage, and protecting biodiversity, all while improving livelihoods," she explained. The IUCN promotes globally recognised standards for NbS to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.

At COP16, Al Mubarak engaged in several high-level events. At the One Water Summit, she discussed how ecosystems and land restoration are vital for securing water resources. During the Gender Caucus, she emphasised women's critical role in sustainable land management and called for policies promoting gender equity and strengthening women's land rights.

She also led a discussion on enhancing synergies across the Rio Conventions. This session explored actionable pathways for integrated implementation of global goals. Her participation underscored her commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Future Commitments

Reflecting on COP16's significance, Al Mubarak remarked that this conference serves as a bridge to future actions rather than an endpoint. "This conference is not an endpoint; it is a bridge to the future. From Riyadh to Belém, let us use this momentum to deepen our collective commitment, accelerate action, and align our efforts," she said.

The event highlighted the importance of collective efforts in restoring lands and protecting the planet. It underscored the need for continued collaboration among global communities to secure a sustainable future for generations ahead.

With inputs from WAM