UN conference begins to combat growing desertification crisis

Saudi Arabia hosted the largest-ever United Nations conference to combat desertification from December 2 to 13, 2024. This event, known as COP16, aims to address critical issues regarding land degradation, drought, and desertification which have become pressing global challenges. Key discussions at the conference focus on enhancing global drought resilience, with a specific emphasis on supporting countries most affected by drought conditions. As world leaders gathered in Riyadh, COP16 highlighted the urgent need for investment and action against land degradation. Underlining this, Saudi Arabia committed to launch the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, which would include a substantial financial commitment of $150 million over the next decade. This partnership intends to fortify multilateral efforts, particularly in regions severely impacted by increasing drought issues. The European Union and other parties emphasized the necessity of maintaining a solid financial budget for effective implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The presidency stressed the importance of engaging the private sector in the broader fight against land degradation. According to the UN executive secretary Ibrahim Thiaw, up to $2.6 trillion is needed in investments to restore degraded lands by the decade's end. He pointed out that the private sector's contribution is incredibly critical, as current funding from this sector accounts for only about 6% of what is required. Addressing land degradation, particularly as it relates to food production systems, is vital for ensuring long-term sustainability and managing the impacts of climate change. COP16 also placed a spotlight on the interconnectedness of various global challenges, such as food security, climate resilience, and economic stability. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhley, the COP16 president, underscored the significant role that environmental challenges play in the Middle East, expressing a firm commitment to collaboration with the international community. Given that the effects of desertification extend beyond just desert regions, there is a strong call to action for global awareness and mobilization around these critical issues. COP16 aims to formulate key outcomes that will strengthen collaborative efforts toward combating desertification globally.