Riyadh to Host 16th Session of UNCCD COP16 in December
Get ready, Riyadh is gearing up to host the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, or COP16, this December. From Dec. 2-13, the capital will be buzzing with discussions and initiatives to combat desertification, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the convention.
According to the UNCCD, COP16 will be a pivotal event in driving action on land and drought resilience, not just in Saudi Arabia but across the region and beyond. This event is set to be a gamechanger for the green transition in the country.
Saudi Arabia has been laying the groundwork for COP16 by showcasing its vision for sustainable environmental solutions at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. From July 8-18 in New York, the Saudi delegation actively participated in key sessions addressing economic, social, political, and environmental issues impacting sustainable development.
The delegation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s initiatives and legislative efforts towards environmental protection, which have already made a significant impact on cities and villages across the Kingdom. An exhibition at the UN headquarters provided a sneak peek into Saudi Arabia’s preparations for hosting the 11-day COP16 event.
With representatives from 18 Saudi government entities, the delegation engaged in bilateral meetings, public discussions, and key sessions with ministers from various countries. They delved into discussions on sustainable land management and the detrimental effects of land degradation on the global economy, food security, climate change, and water scarcity.