As the effects of climate change intensify, desertification and land degradation have emerged as critical global challenges. The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024, setting the stage for pivotal discussions and actions on this issue.

Saudi Arabia, hosting the event, is represented by its Minister of Environment, Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, who vows to strengthen international commitments to address the pressing challenges of drought and land degradation. The Kingdom's robust initiatives under Vision 2030, such as the Saudi Green Initiative, aim to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land and enhance national reserves by 30% by 2030.

During the opening session, Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of UNCCD, warned that nearly 40% of the planet's surface faces degradation, emphasizing the need for accelerated restoration efforts to ensure global food security and reduce forced migrations. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, described the conference as a 'decisive moment' for reimagining our relationship with the land.

This year's meeting at COP16 also highlights the importance of proactive approaches to droughts and emphasizes interconnections between desertification, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, called for urgent global action to mobilize finance and bolster international cooperation to mitigate these challenges effectively.

The conference also focuses on the need to restore 1.5 billion hectares by 2030 to avert severe environmental impacts. Previous agreements, like those at the COP15 in Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to restore a billion hectares, a target now considered insufficient in light of accelerating degradation.

Mongolia, preparing to host COP17 in 2026, participates actively, with Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene presenting national policies on land restoration and climate change, underscoring the growing commitment to international collaboration in combating desertification.

Besides governmental efforts, the event underscores the critical role of civil society and youth involvement. Recent initiatives include appointing a special youth envoy to the UNCCD, aiming to integrate youthful vigour and ideas into environmental policymaking and action.

At COP16, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a key player in global environmental advocacy, promising transformative environmental policies. This proactive stance marks a shift for a country often seen predominantly in the context of fossil fuel production.

The economic implications are significant, with sustainable land management expected to yield numerous benefits, including improved food security and increased economic opportunities. The focus on resilience, equitable resource management, and regional cooperation also aligns with broader sustainable development goals.

The outcomes of COP16 will likely influence future international climate agreements, highlighting the need for urgency and unity in overcoming the dual challenges of climate change and land degradation. As the conference progresses, expectations of concrete financial commitments and actionable roadmaps grow, urging stakeholders to deliver on promises that could redefine the future of our planet's health.