Saudi Arabia Initiates Global Drought Resilience Partnership At UNCCD COP16 For Enhanced Preparedness

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has initiated the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This initiative aims to revolutionise global drought management by collaborating with UNCCD, countries, international organisations, and other stakeholders. The focus is on moving from reactive crisis responses to proactive measures through enhanced early warning systems, financing, vulnerability assessments, and risk mitigation.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, stated that the partnership will act as a global facilitator for drought resilience. "The Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership will serve as a global facilitator, a ‘one-stop shop’ for drought resilience, promoting the shift from reactive relief response after drought hits to proactive preparedness. We also seek to amplify global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world," he said. Dr. Faqeeha urged countries, companies, organisations, scientists, NGOs, financial institutions, and communities to join this crucial partnership.

Saudi Arabia has committed to funding the partnership's office for at least ten years to ensure sustained operational support. The office will connect vulnerable nations with existing resources while aligning with ongoing initiatives for maximum impact. The partnership aims to unlock new funding mechanisms for drought resilience by increasing access to credit, equity financing, insurance products, and grants.

Drought affects nearly every part of the world; in 2022 alone, 1.84 billion people were impacted. Between 2020 and 2023, over 55 countries declared drought emergencies. In Africa from 2016 to 2019, 38% of reported land was affected by droughts. Similarly, Latin America and the Caribbean saw 37.9% of their land impacted during this period.

Addressing Economic and Environmental Challenges

Drought significantly contributes to food and water insecurity and forces millions into displacement while imposing severe economic burdens on affected regions. Dr. Faqeeha emphasised that taking proactive measures is more cost-effective than reactive approaches in addressing these challenges: "This is an environmental and economic imperative; it is far more cost-effective to take a proactive approach to drought resilience than a reactive one."

UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw highlighted that no nation is immune from drought's effects but noted that low- and middle-income countries bear most of its impact. "While no nation is immune to drought, 85% of the people impacted by it live in low- and middle-income countries," he said. He expressed confidence that the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership would mobilise finance and political will towards a more resilient future.

A permanent office will oversee the partnership's operations under contributing members' guidance. It will link vulnerable communities with resources while enhancing ongoing efforts for greater impact. The initiative prioritises unlocking new funding avenues for resilience against droughts through increased access to financial products like credit or grants.

The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership represents an essential step in combating global drought impacts effectively by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders worldwide—ensuring a sustainable future where communities are better prepared against such adversities without compromising economic stability or environmental health.

With inputs from SPA