Saudi Arabia Takes Action at COP16 with “Friends of the Chair” Group
Saudi Arabia is determined to make a significant impact at COP16 by establishing a special working group called “Friends of the Chair” to draft the Riyadh Policy Declaration, a crucial document for the conference.
Osama Faqeeha, Saudi deputy minister of environment and adviser to the COP16 presidency, announced the formation of this group, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the ministerial declaration of the conference.
“The Friends of the Chair group will be led by representatives of the COP presidency, and a detailed report on their work will be submitted directly to me as the president,” Faqeeha stated.
This initiative showcases Saudi Arabia’s dedication to achieving tangible and collaborative outcomes from the conference.
Gender Equality and Sustainable Land Management in Focus at COP16
One of the major themes discussed at COP16 was gender equality and sustainable land management, highlighting the critical importance of women in addressing issues like desertification, land degradation, and drought.
Hungary’s representative praised COP16 for its gender-focused initiatives, emphasizing the essential role of women in reaching the conference’s objectives.
Conversations at the conference also delved into pressing global issues such as drought resilience, sand and dust storms, and sustainable land use, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for gender-inclusive approaches to climate resilience and sustainability.
Azerbaijan Calls for Sustainable Land Management and Expanded Scope for UNCCD
Azerbaijan contributed to the dialogue by stressing the importance of sustainable land management in achieving global climate and biodiversity targets, particularly under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15.
The representative from Azerbaijan called for the UNCCD to broaden its scope to include all terrestrial ecosystems beyond arid and semi-arid regions, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to land management.
Priorities like drought preparedness, wildfire management, and public-private partnerships were also highlighted to advance regional cooperation and sustainability efforts.
High-Profile Summits and Attendees Expected at COP16
COP16, running from Dec. 2 to 13, will feature high-profile summits, ministerial dialogues, and announcements to address the challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought.
Notable attendees like French President Emmanuel Macron and World Bank President Ajay Banga are expected to participate in the conference, underscoring the global significance of the event.