Saudi Arabia Participates in COP17, Hands Over Presidency to Mongolia

Riyadh, August 13, 2026 (SPA) – Saudi Arabia will participate in the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), scheduled to take place in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026. During the conference, the Kingdom will formally hand over the presidency of COP16 to Mongolia, marking the conclusion of a productive tenure characterized by numerous international initiatives and partnerships launched during the historic COP16 held in Riyadh in December 2024.

Context and Background

The upcoming conference in Mongolia represents a crucial global platform for addressing land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience. Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores its continued leadership in multilateral environmental cooperation and its commitment to sustainable development. As the outgoing president of COP16, the Kingdom will present the significant achievements made under its stewardship, including the implementation of the Business4Land initiative and various efforts to protect natural resources and promote sustainable land management.

The COP16 conference, hosted by Saudi Arabia in December 2024, was the largest in the Convention’s history, with participation from 197 parties – 196 countries plus the European Union. During that landmark event, 39 decisions were adopted, and over $12 billion was mobilized to support land restoration and drought resilience projects worldwide. These accomplishments reflect the Kingdom’s active role in addressing global environmental challenges and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Details

In addition to the formal handover of the presidency, Saudi Arabia will showcase the outcomes of its leadership period, emphasizing the progress made on key initiatives. The Kingdom will highlight the Business4Land initiative, which aims to engage the private sector in land restoration efforts, as well as its national projects focused on vegetation development and sustainable solutions to combat desertification. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental strategy, which includes the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, both aligned with Vision 2030.

The participation of the Kingdom in COP17 will also serve as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with other nations and international organizations. By sharing its expertise and successful practices, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance global cooperation in land management and drought resilience, contributing to the collective goal of building a more sustainable future.

Implications and Impact

The transition of the presidency from Saudi Arabia to Mongolia signifies continuity in international efforts to combat desertification and land degradation. Saudi Arabia’s legacy from COP16 includes the adoption of the Riyadh Action Agenda, which focuses on scaling up land restoration and drought resilience initiatives. The Kingdom’s continued engagement at COP17 will ensure that momentum is maintained and that the global community remains committed to addressing these pressing environmental issues.

For the region and the world, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this arena enhances its standing as a responsible global actor dedicated to environmental sustainability. The Kingdom’s initiatives have not only mobilized significant financial resources but also fostered innovation and public-private partnerships, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative approaches to environmental challenges.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s active participation in COP17 and its successful presidency of COP16 directly align with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious reform blueprint. The Vision emphasizes environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and quality of life, all of which are supported by initiatives like the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. By leading global efforts to combat desertification, Saudi Arabia is showcasing its commitment to addressing climate change and building a greener, more sustainable future for its citizens and the world.

As the Kingdom looks ahead, it will continue to utilize international platforms like COP17 to champion sustainable practices, foster international cooperation, and contribute to the global sustainable development agenda. The vision is clear: a thriving, resilient Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the UNCCD and why is it important?

A1. The UNCCD is an international treaty focused on combating desertification, land degradation, and drought. It provides a framework for countries to collaborate on sustainable land management, helping to mitigate climate change impacts and ensure food security.

Q2. What is the significance of the COP17 conference in Mongolia?

A2. COP17 marks the first meeting after Saudi Arabia’s presidency and provides continuity in global efforts. It allows parties to review progress, adopt new decisions, and maintain momentum on land restoration and drought resilience.

Q3. How did Saudi Arabia make COP16 the largest in history?

A3. The conference in Riyadh saw participation from 197 parties, including all UN member states and the EU. This unprecedented attendance underscores the global priority of environmental issues and Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic strength.

Q4. What were the main outcomes of COP16?

A4. COP16 adopted 39 decisions and mobilized over $12 billion in funding for land restoration and drought projects. It also launched the Riyadh Action Agenda, a framework for scaling up sustainability initiatives.

Q5. What is the Business4Land initiative?

A5. Business4Land is a Saudi-led initiative engaging the private sector in land restoration efforts. It encourages companies to invest in sustainable land management and contribute to global goals, demonstrating corporate responsibility.

Q6. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation in COP17 benefit its Vision 2030?

A6. By leading international environmental efforts, Saudi Arabia enhances its reputation as a sustainable nation. This supports Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy, improving quality of life, and achieving environmental sustainability.

Q7. What does the handover of presidency to Mongolia signify?

A7. The handover symbolizes the democratic and collaborative nature of the UNCCD, ensuring rotational leadership and fresh perspectives. For Saudi Arabia, it reflects a successful presidency and ongoing support for global environmental goals.

Q8. How will the Saudi delegation contribute to COP17?

A8. The delegation will present progress on initiatives like Business4Land, share experiences, and engage in negotiations. This helps maintain the Kingdom’s leadership role and fosters international cooperation.

Q9. What is the Saudi Green Initiative and its link to land restoration?

A9. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national strategy to combat climate change, increase vegetation, and reduce emissions. It directly ties to land restoration by enhancing green cover and protecting ecosystems, aligning with COP16 outcomes.

Q10. How much funding was mobilized during COP16?

A10. Over $12 billion was pledged during COP16. This substantial investment underscores global commitment to land restoration and drought resilience, with Saudi Arabia playing a key role in mobilization.

Q11. What are the main goals of the Riyadh Action Agenda?

A11. The Riyadh Action Agenda aims to accelerate land restoration, enhance drought resilience, and promote sustainable agriculture. It sets specific targets and encourages public-private partnerships to achieve these goals.

Q12. Why is Saudi hosting environmental conferences important?

A12. Hosting such conferences enhances Saudi Arabia’s international standing, promotes its Vision 2030 commitments, and showcases its capacity to lead global sustainability initiatives. It also spurs domestic environmental projects.

Q13. What does Saudi Arabia mean by ‘protecting natural resources’?

A13. The Kingdom focuses on preserving biodiversity, conserving water, and reducing land degradation. This includes expanding protected areas, promoting afforestation, and using sustainable farming practices.

Q14. How does COP17 promote international cooperation?

A14. COP17 gathers governments, NGOs, and international organizations to share ideas, negotiate policies, and build partnerships. It leverages collective action to address environmental challenges globally.

Q15. What are the main causes of desertification affecting Saudi Arabia?

A15. Arid climate, overgrazing, and limited water resources contribute to desertification. Saudi Arabia addresses these through innovative water management, soil conservation, and massive reforestation efforts.

Q16. How does the Business4Land initiative engage the private sector?

A16. Business4Land encourages companies to invest in land restoration by providing platforms for partnership, funding, and technology transfer. This leverages corporate resources for environmental benefit.

Q17. What progress has Saudi Arabia made under its COP16 presidency?

A17. Achievements include the launch of Business4Land, mobilization of funds, and the Riyadh Action Agenda. These initiatives have been showcased at COP17, demonstrating the Kingdom’s successful leadership.

Q18. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation align with UN Sustainable Development Goals?

A18. Saudi Arabia’s efforts support SDGs like decent work, sustainable communities, and climate action. By advancing land restoration, the Kingdom contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and others.

Q19. What is the significance of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties?

A19. It is the highest decision-making body of the UNCCD, where parties adopt policies and set global targets. COP meetings drive international action on desertification, land degradation, and drought.

Q20. What are Saudi Arabia’s future plans after handing over the presidency?

A20. The Kingdom will continue advocating for environmental sustainability globally and domestically. It will support Mongolia’s presidency and work on implementing COP16 outcomes, ensuring long-term impact.

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