Saudi finance minister meets Croatian counterpart to strengthen ties

In December 2024, the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, known as COP16, opened its doors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event brought together world leaders and key stakeholders to address the pressing issue of desertification and land degradation. Adel Al-Jubeir, the Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, highlighted the significance of land reclamation for food production and combating climate change during his special interview. He emphasized the proactive measures taken by the Saudi Arabian government to increase the area of protected land from less than 3% in 2015 to nearly 19% today, with an ambitious target of reaching 30% by 2030. This commitment reflects the nation's understanding of the urgent need to address global environmental challenges and underscores Saudi Arabia's leadership in international dialogues regarding climate action. The event's significance is amplified by the fact that COP16 is the largest conference of its kind since 1997, signaling a growing acknowledgment of desertification as a global concern. Al-Jubeir's remarks underscored the necessity for global collaboration in addressing environmental issues, stating that “we’re all in this together, we all benefit together, or we all suffer together.” His comments also illustrated the kingdom's dedication to pioneering initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources and reining in the consequences of climate change. COP16 aims to elevate the importance of desertification on the global stage and encourage sharing of expertise among countries. Furthermore, Al-Jubeir pointed out the positive outcomes resulting from these initiatives, including a noticeable reduction in dust storms and an increase in land restoration efforts. The Saudi leadership is motivated by a younger generation eager to tackle pressing environmental challenges, showcased in the support for biodiversity efforts and marine life preservation. As Saudi Arabia aims to solidify its role on the international stage regarding climate change and environmental conservation, hosting COP16 represents a pivotal moment for the nation. The conference will focus on fostering global partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange to bolster resilience against desertification. It is clear that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in transforming the global narrative around environmental stewardship and sustainable development.