“Land degradation, desertification, and drought impact almost every corner of the planet and every living being on it,” said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency.

Highlighting the importance of collective action, Dr. Faqeeha added, “Whether as a visitor engaging in critical conversations or an exhibitor showcasing innovation, I encourage everyone to register and be part of the solution.”

The Green and Blue Zones at COP16 will feature seven thematic days, each focusing on crucial topics such as land restoration, sustainable finance, and food systems, with a strong emphasis on actionable solutions.

Land Day will highlight restoration projects and nature-based solutions, while Finance Day will explore strategies for redirecting the $7 trillion annually invested in activities harmful to nature toward sustainable land management.

Governance Day will address women’s land rights and tenure and resource governance challenges. Agri-Food Systems Day will focus on food security, crop resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Resilience Day will present approaches to managing water scarcity, boosting drought resilience, and developing early warning systems for sand and dust storms. People’s Day will emphasize the role of youth and vulnerable communities, particularly the one billion people under 25 who rely on land resources for their livelihoods.

The program at COP16 will also feature a Business for Land Forum, which will gather global leaders to explore the economic importance of sustainable land management. This forum aims to align economic priorities with environmental goals, offering practical solutions to address pressing global challenges.