The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) concluded in Riyadh after a two-week session marked by extended negotiations.
While 39 decisions were adopted, a key goal—the establishment of a new drought management framework—was postponed until COP17 in Mongolia in 2026. Despite this setback, the conference yielded significant progress in other areas.
The decisions adopted by COP16 "will serve as guidance, not only to all governments in the world, but also to the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities," UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw highlighted.
Key Outcomes of COP16:
39 Decisions Adopted: Covering a range of issues related to desertification, land degradation, and drought.
Postponement of Drought Management Framework: The creation of a new framework was postponed until COP17 in 2026.
Launch of Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience: Secured over $12.15 billion in pledges for drought resilience initiatives in 80 vulnerable countries.
Elevated Global Focus on Land Issues: The conference successfully elevated the importance of land and drought issues within broader global efforts to address interconnected challenges.
Guidance for Multiple Stakeholders: The adopted decisions provide guidance for governments, businesses, indigenous peoples, and local communities.