Saudi Arabia Hosts COP16 on Desertification

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met to discuss strategies for regional stability amid escalating tensions in Syria, emphasizing the need for Arab cooperation and a two-state solution for the Palestinian issue. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP16 UN Conference on Desertification, where global leaders are addressing the urgent crisis of land degradation affecting billions worldwide. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the meeting as a 'moonshot moment' for land restoration, with a new goal to restore 1.5 billion hectares by 2030. The degradation of land, exacerbated by climate change, threatens food security and could lead to mass migrations, highlighting the critical nature of the discussions. Saudi officials acknowledge their vulnerability to desertification, reinforcing the significance of the conference's objectives. The dual focus on regional security and environmental challenges underscores the interconnectedness of geopolitical stability and climate action.