The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) concluded in Riyadh on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to address land degradation and drought. Over the course of two weeks, delegates from around the world adopted 39 decisions, including a procedural decision on drought, and secured more than $12 billion in pledges aimed at combating desertification, land degradation, and drought, particularly in the most vulnerable countries.
Despite several postponements during the final day, the conference witnessed critical discussions as negotiations over a new drought framework stalled. Parties agreed to continue deliberations based on the progress made at COP16, with the objective of adopting a comprehensive decision at COP17, scheduled to be held in Mongolia in 2026.
One of the significant outcomes of COP16 was the announcement of new pledges for large-scale land restoration and drought preparedness. The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership emerged as a landmark initiative, attracting $12.15 billion to support 80 of the world’s most vulnerable countries in building resilience to drought.
Addressing the closing plenary, Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, expressed optimism about the future. “While parties need more time to agree on the best way forward to address the critical issue of drought, I am filled with hope with the launching of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, a landmark initiative to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” he stated.
Thiaw emphasized the broader impact of the conference, noting, “Through COP16, we have elevated the land and drought agenda beyond sector-specific discussions, establishing it as a cornerstone of global efforts to address interconnected challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, migration, and global security.”
COP16 President Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global land restoration efforts. “We hope the outcomes of this session will lead to a significant shift that strengthens efforts to preserve land, reduce its degradation, build capacities to address drought, and contribute to the well-being of communities around the world,” he said.
Running from December 2 to 13 under the theme “Our Land. Our Future.”, COP16 was the largest UN land-focused conference to date and the first UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event not only marked a regional milestone but also set the stage for future collaborative efforts in combating land degradation globally.
The 39 decisions adopted at COP16 are expected to guide governments, the private sector, indigenous peoples, and local communities worldwide in their efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management. As the international community looks forward to COP17 in Mongolia, the momentum generated in Riyadh underscores the critical importance of unified action in addressing environmental challenges that transcend borders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
