The largest and most inclusive United Nations land conference to date concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal moment in global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought.
Over two weeks of intense negotiations at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), nearly 200 countries came together to outline a vision for a sustainable future.
Key Commitments and Outcomes
Delegates prioritized land restoration and drought resilience as central to national policies and international cooperation. This focus aims to enhance food security, mitigate climate change impacts, and promote global adaptation strategies.
While nations did not finalize a new global drought regime, they adopted 39 critical decisions and a robust political declaration. These outcomes, including the launch of innovative initiatives and financial pledges, set the stage for substantial progress ahead.
Highlights from COP16 include:
- International Drought Resilience Observatory: A groundbreaking AI-driven platform to assist countries in assessing and improving drought resilience.
- Business4Land Initiative: Mobilization of private sector involvement in land restoration efforts.
- Indigenous and Local Community Caucuses: Formation of dedicated groups to ensure their perspectives are integral to decision-making processes.
“Today, history has been made,” said Oliver Tester, an Indigenous Peoples’ representative. “We trust that our voices will continue to shape the path forward.”
A Turning Point for Global Awareness
According to the UNCCD’s World Drought Atlas and Economics of Drought Resilience reports, droughts currently threaten the livelihoods of 1.8 billion people and cost the global economy $300 billion annually. As land degradation escalates, vulnerable communities face disproportionate risks, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
COP16 President Abdulrahman Alfadley emphasized this urgency, expressing hope that the conference outcomes would catalyze global efforts to preserve land, combat degradation, and support communities.
Key Decisions and Financial Commitments
Over $12 billion was pledged to address land challenges, focusing on the most vulnerable regions, including pastoral areas home to two billion people. Additional decisions addressed critical topics such as migration, dust storms, and women’s empowerment in tackling environmental crises.
The conference also expanded the agenda to include sustainable agrifood systems and rangelands, vital for food security and carbon storage.
Youth and Indigenous Leadership
Youth and Indigenous Peoples played a central role at COP16, setting attendance records and driving conversations about inclusivity, resilience, and innovation. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed highlighted the importance of their contributions:
“Their wisdom, voices, and creativity are indispensable as we craft a sustainable future with renewed hope for generations to come.”
A landmark Sacred Lands Declaration was also introduced, calling for the recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in all land restoration and resilience efforts.
Looking Ahead
The groundwork for a global drought regime will continue, with COP17 scheduled for 2026 in Mongolia. Meanwhile, existing initiatives like the Great Green Wall—a transformative African project restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land—received renewed financial support, further inspiring international collaboration.
UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw summarized the collective resolve:
“As we have discussed and witnessed, the solutions are within our grasp. The actions we took today will shape not only the future of our planet but also the lives and livelihoods of those who depend on it.”
A Call to Action
With COP16’s close, the world enters a decisive phase in addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. As the largest UNCCD conference yet, its legacy is a renewed commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and resilience, charting a path toward a sustainable future for all.
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