Saudi Arabia launches pioneering drought initiative at COP16 Riyadh to accelerate global action

Arab Weather - [Riyadh - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, December 2, 2024] - As part of the ongoing efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to combat the effects of drought worldwide, the Kingdom, in partnership with a number of parties, launched the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience during the first day of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification "COP 16" hosted by Riyadh from December 2 to 13.

In partnership with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, countries, international organizations and other stakeholders, the initiative will catalyze a transformation in how drought challenges are addressed worldwide. Drawing on the collective influence of major global institutions, drought coping mechanisms will be radically transformed, instead of responding to emergencies after crises have occurred, to be addressed proactively, through strengthening early warning systems, financing, vulnerability assessments and drought risk mitigation.

Dr. Osama Faqiha, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Environmental Affairs, and Advisor to the Presidency of the Conference of the Parties "COP 16" Riyadh, said:

“The Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience will serve as an initiative to facilitate collaborative and coordinated action around the world, and will serve as a ‘one-stop shop’ for capacity building and preparedness to address drought challenges. It will also play a critical role in supporting efforts to shift from emergency response, which is limited to providing aid and relief after drought crises occur, to pre-preparation. At the same time, we seek to mobilize global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world.”

Dr. Faqih added:

“We call on all countries, companies, institutions, scientists, NGOs, financial institutions and communities to join this important partnership and make it a key component of a global movement to build a future that can withstand drought. As it is an environmental and economic necessity, we must start from a proactive approach to confront drought, and move away from the previous practice of providing emergency relief after a disaster occurs. This approach will certainly be more effective and less costly. There is no doubt that by working together as an international community, we will be able to slow the devastating impact of drought and reverse its upward trend, especially since we have the necessary tools to help us take decisive action. This is where the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience lies, ensuring that our efforts are directed in complete harmony to achieve the results we all aspire to.”

Under the guidance of contributing members, the partnership will operate a permanent office to connect vulnerable countries and communities to existing resources, and collaborate and coordinate with ongoing initiatives around the world to maximize impact. The Riyadh Partnership will also prioritize launching new drought financing mechanisms, as well as increasing access to credit, equity financing, insurance products, and grants. To ensure support for sustainable operations and long-term impact, Saudi Arabia will cover the expenses of the partnership office for at least 10 years.

Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, said:

“While no country is immune to drought, 85% of people affected by it live in low- and middle-income countries. In today’s interconnected world, we have a collective responsibility and a common interest that requires everyone, everywhere, to participate in dealing with the catastrophic effects of drought, which spare no country. I am confident that the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience will play a significant role in mobilizing funding and political will for a more sustainable future.”

Droughts affect almost every corner of the globe, affecting 1.84 billion people in 2022, and more than 55 countries have declared drought emergencies between 2020 and 2023, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. At the same time, their impact appears to be worsening. In Africa, 38% of the continent’s land area was affected by drought between 2016 and 2019, according to official reports, and Latin America and the Caribbean have seen similar devastation, with 37.9% of land area affected during the same period, according to reports from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Drought is the leading cause of food and water insecurity, has displaced millions, and has caused huge economic losses for affected countries.

About COP16 Riyadh

COP16 Riyadh will be held from 2 to 13 December 2024 in an area near Riyadh Boulevard, Saudi Arabia. Under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” the conference will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and aims to galvanize multilateral action on critical issues such as drought, land rights, and sand and dust storms.

Journalists are invited to apply for registration through the UNCCD electronic system.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@unccdcop16.org

See also

Saudi efforts double international solutions to address land degradation at COP16