COP16 Conference Opens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is hosting COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification from December 2 to 13 in Riyadh, marking the largest meeting in the treaty's history and the first in the Middle East. Incoming president Abdulrahman Al-Fadli emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to tackling drought and land degradation, reflecting on the seriousness of these issues that affect nearly 40% of the planet's surface. The conference, themed 'Our Land. Our Future,' aims to enhance global cooperation on land restoration and drought resilience, involving nearly 200 parties and featuring a dual approach of formal negotiations and action agendas. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the event as a pivotal moment for global land restoration efforts. Alongside COP16, Saudi Arabia is launching the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Initiative to accelerate international action in addressing drought challenges. Activists have voiced concerns over Saudi Arabia's previous climate stance, yet the nation is positioning itself as a leader in combating desertification, a pressing issue due to its geographic and climatic realities.