Saudi Arabia highlights COP16 presidency achievements, pledges ongoing global support

Saudi Arabia has highlighted the key achievements of its presidency of the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16), reaffirming its ongoing international efforts to address land degradation and drought. The announcement was made by Osama bin Ibrahim Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Environment, during a press conference on the sidelines of the opening of COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Dr. Faqeeha stated that Saudi Arabia's leadership of COP16 marked a historic shift in the global environmental agenda, bringing land degradation and drought issues to the forefront of international priorities. He noted that the Kingdom's presidency extended beyond hosting the conference in Riyadh, spanning nearly two years of leading international efforts to implement outcomes, strengthen cooperation, and follow up on initiatives until the presidency was handed over to Mongolia.

Unprecedented achievements during Saudi presidency

The deputy minister highlighted that COP16 in Riyadh achieved several unprecedented milestones, including the introduction of a Green Zone alongside the Blue Zone for the first time. The event attracted over 100,000 participants from 170 countries, compared to about 7,000 at COP15 and 6,000 at COP14. The conference featured more than 820 events and 100 pavilions with participation from 50 countries and around 70 regional, international, and local organizations.

He added that Saudi Arabia succeeded in mobilizing financial commitments exceeding $12 billion to combat land degradation, and in issuing landmark decisions on rangelands, pastoral communities, and agricultural lands for the first time. The conference also reached consensus on the fundamentals of a drought resolution comprising 24 articles, marking a significant step in the negotiation process ahead of COP17.

Innovative initiatives and enhanced international cooperation

Dr. Faqeeha affirmed that the Kingdom continued to lead the conference's work in 2025 and 2026 through five integrated tracks to tackle land degradation and drought challenges. These included expanding diplomatic engagement, activating the Riyadh Action Agenda, active participation in international events and negotiations, and strengthening the link between drought, water security, and food security.

Among the notable initiatives, Saudi Arabia launched the "Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience," the first global collaborative initiative targeting drought, which secured pledges of over $2 billion. The Kingdom also activated the International Initiative for Early Warning of Sand and Dust Storms in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization.

Boosting private sector involvement and global presence

COP16 saw the largest private sector participation in the history of desertification conferences, with the inaugural Business for Land Forum bringing together decision-makers and CEOs. Saudi Arabia promoted COP16 outcomes at major international forums, including the World Economic Forum, Munich Security Conference, ChangeNOW Summit in Paris, Bonn Climate Change Conference, and several events alongside the UN General Assembly and COP30 in Brazil.

Dr. Faqeeha emphasized that the handover of the presidency to Mongolia represents a transition, not an end to Saudi Arabia's efforts. He confirmed the Kingdom's ongoing support for implementing COP16 outcomes, strengthening international partnerships and initiatives, and backing Mongolia's COP17 presidency.

Saudi Arabia is participating in COP17 through multiple channels, including negotiations, organizing official events, showcasing the Middle East Green Initiative, and hosting a pavilion in the Blue Zone featuring a program of 40 side events with 22 local entities, continuing the Kingdom's leading role in environmental protection and resource sustainability.