A Bold Step Towards Healing Our Planet: Highlights from COP16 in Riyadh

In a monumental gathering in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, nearly 200 countries united for COP16, the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Over two weeks of rigorous discussions and visionary planning, global leaders forged a roadmap to address some of our planet's most pressing issues: land degradation, desertification, and drought.

A Unified Commitment to Change

The conference concluded with a collective pledge to prioritize land restoration and drought resilience in national and international policies. This initiative aims to safeguard food security and bolster climate adaptation worldwide. A major milestone was the commitment to establish a global drought framework, set to be finalized at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026.

Financially, COP16 saw a wave of pledges exceeding $12 billion to combat land degradation, with a focus on the most vulnerable nations. The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership alone secured $12.15 billion, with a $10 billion contribution from the Arab Coordination Group.

Inclusivity and Innovation Take Center Stage

In a historic move, COP16 launched the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Caucuses, ensuring these groups have a seat at the table. Their unique insights and traditions are now integral to global land governance.

Youth voices also rang loud and clear. The conference saw unprecedented youth engagement, emphasizing their critical role in shaping a sustainable future. The UNCCD’s Youth Engagement Strategy is now set to provide resources and platforms for young leaders.

The private sector, often an untapped resource in environmental action, was brought into focus. Under the Business4Land initiative, businesses pledged to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies into their operations. Industries from finance to fashion united to contribute innovative solutions.

Science-Driven Solutions

COP16 underscored the power of science in crafting effective policies. The UNCCD’s Science-Policy Interface (SPI) revealed alarming findings: 77.6% of Earth’s land has dried significantly in the past 30 years, with drylands now encompassing over 40% of the planet’s surface. These areas are projected to impact five billion people by 2100 if urgent action is not taken.

The newly unveiled World Drought Atlas and Economics of Drought Resilience reports highlighted the staggering costs of drought, estimated at $300 billion annually, and its devastating effects on 1.8 billion livelihoods.

Financial Momentum for a Greener Future

The Great Green Wall initiative received a significant boost, with over €14 million pledged by Italy and Austria to rejuvenate Africa’s Sahel region. Meanwhile, the United States and its partners committed $70 million to develop climate-resilient crops and soils, aligning with COP16’s broader goal of sustainable agriculture.

Saudi Arabia announced five new climate projects worth $60 million, including a regional early warning system for sandstorms and the International Drought Resilience Observatory, an AI-powered platform for drought management.

Bridging Global and Regional Gaps

COP16 was the first UNCCD conference hosted in the Middle East, spotlighting regional challenges like desertification and water scarcity. Saudi Arabia leveraged this platform to showcase its Saudi Green Initiative, a bold plan to mitigate climate impacts.

Looking Ahead: From Riyadh to Mongolia

As COP16 concluded, the groundwork was laid for COP17 in Mongolia, coinciding with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. This focus on rangelands aims to protect ecosystems that sustain one-sixth of global food supplies and house two billion people.

In Riyadh, the world took a united step forward, blending science, inclusivity, and action.

The echoes of this conference will resonate for years, as nations strive to heal our shared home and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.