Saudi Arabia is set to host the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, marking the first time this global conference is held in the Middle East. Scheduled for December 2-13, 2024, the event will convene representatives from 197 parties, including world leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates, making it the largest multilateral gathering ever hosted in the kingdom. This milestone aligns with the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, emphasizing its significance in addressing land degradation, drought resilience, and green transition.

As part of the conference, Saudi Arabia has announced the creation of a groundbreaking "Green Zone," a dedicated space for interactive exhibits and discussions. This initiative aims to promote innovative solutions for desertification and land restoration while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, thematic days have been introduced to spotlight key topics, such as climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience, ensuring focused dialogue and actionable outcomes.

The "Green Zone" concept embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its broader Vision 2030 goals. This ambitious national framework seeks to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil by investing in renewable energy, green technologies, and large-scale afforestation projects. Efforts such as the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative have already showcased the kingdom’s leadership in combating desertification, planting billions of trees, and enhancing protected areas.

With land degradation affecting nearly a quarter of the global land area and impacting millions of livelihoods, COP16 is positioned as a critical platform for driving transformative action. Experts anticipate that the event will lead to substantial commitments, particularly in mobilizing funding and resources for developing nations disproportionately affected by drought and desertification.

The conference will also serve as the launchpad for several new initiatives, including an International Drought Resilience Observatory aimed at monitoring and mitigating drought impacts globally. This observatory will prioritize data-sharing and capacity-building to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable regions, particularly in Africa and Asia.