Saudi Arabia is set to host a groundbreaking United Nations forum focused on combatting desertification, marking a significant step in the global fight against land degradation. This event, which will be held under the Kingdom's presidency of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16, will introduce a dedicated Green Zone for the first time. The Green Zone will provide a platform for dialogue, innovation, and the exchange of ideas between key stakeholders in the global battle against desertification.

The forum will bring together leaders from various sectors, including science, politics, business, and civil society, to explore practical solutions for restoring degraded lands and preventing further desertification. It is expected to attract decision-makers from across the world, providing a space for collaboration on strategies that can mitigate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of land degradation.

One of the highlights of the event is the introduction of thematic days aimed at addressing specific challenges related to desertification. These thematic days will cover critical topics such as sustainable land management, innovative technologies for land restoration, and financing mechanisms for combating land degradation. The initiative is designed to ensure a comprehensive approach, addressing the multifaceted nature of desertification and land degradation from a variety of perspectives.

The Green Zone, which will serve as the focal point of the forum, will feature exhibitions, workshops, and sessions dedicated to showcasing best practices, research, and solutions for desertification and land restoration. This dedicated space is a strategic move to highlight the importance of land restoration and to increase global awareness of its significance. By providing a physical platform for collaboration, the Green Zone aims to foster partnerships between governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), all of which play vital roles in addressing desertification.

Land degradation is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. It threatens food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity, particularly in regions already suffering from the impacts of climate change. The United Nations has identified desertification as a key issue that requires urgent attention, with over a quarter of the world's land area experiencing varying degrees of degradation.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting this pivotal forum is a testament to the country's commitment to environmental sustainability. As a country that is geographically located in one of the most arid regions of the world, Saudi Arabia has firsthand experience of the challenges posed by desertification. The Kingdom has long been involved in efforts to combat land degradation, including the implementation of national initiatives aimed at restoring degraded lands and improving water conservation practices.

The COP16 forum is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the global agenda for sustainable land management and desertification control. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the forum will provide a unique opportunity to discuss innovative solutions and identify practical ways to scale up land restoration efforts. Additionally, the event will focus on fostering international cooperation and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and resources among countries and organizations committed to tackling desertification.

Experts in the field of land restoration have emphasized the importance of addressing desertification not only for environmental reasons but also for socio-economic development. Degraded lands are often unable to support agriculture or provide essential ecosystem services, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity in vulnerable communities. Tackling desertification, therefore, requires a multi-dimensional approach that combines environmental restoration with economic development and social empowerment.

At COP16, a key focus will be on financing the restoration of degraded lands. The Kingdom’s initiative is aimed at creating sustainable funding mechanisms that can support long-term projects and ensure that efforts to combat desertification are both effective and scalable. With the increasing recognition of the economic value of land restoration, innovative financial solutions are being explored, including partnerships between governments, private sector investors, and international donors.

The forum will also underscore the importance of community engagement in land restoration efforts. In many regions, local communities are the most affected by desertification, and they also hold valuable knowledge and expertise in land management practices. Empowering these communities and providing them with the necessary tools and resources is critical for ensuring the success of desertification control programs.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in addressing desertification at the global level aligns with its broader environmental and sustainability goals. The Kingdom has committed to ambitious targets under its Vision 2030 plan, which includes enhancing environmental protection, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable land management practices. Hosting the UNCCD COP16 forum is a clear indication of the Kingdom’s commitment to these goals and to playing a leading role in global environmental governance.