Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group President Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser called for unified global partnerships to combat desertification and drought during his address at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh on December 2, 2024. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Al Jasser emphasized the need for collaborative action to mobilize resources and lead a fair transition toward a sustainable future for humanity and the planet.
Context and Background
The COP16 conference, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, brought together global leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts to address the escalating threats of land degradation, drought, and desertification. These challenges disproportionately impact developing nations and IsDB member states, exacerbating poverty, climate vulnerability, and biodiversity loss. Dr. Al Jasser highlighted the urgency of collective action, noting that the repercussions of environmental degradation extend beyond borders, affecting global food security and economic stability.
Key Details
Dr. Al Jasser praised the Arab Coordination Group’s efforts, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the UNCCD Secretariat, for organizing the conference. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting partnerships formed during COP16, extending support well beyond the event to ensure sustainable solutions. The IsDB Group, as a key multilateral development bank, plays a central role in financing climate-resilient projects across its 57 member countries, aligning with Vision 2030’s emphasis on environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
International Impact
The conference serves as a platform for strengthening international cooperation on land restoration and drought resilience. Dr. Al Jasser’s call for unified action reflects a broader recognition that desertification undermines economic growth, displaces communities, and fuels conflict. By leveraging financial instruments and technical expertise, the IsDB aims to scale up investments in sustainable agriculture, water management, and renewable energy, contributing to global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 underscores its leadership in environmental diplomacy and commitment to Vision 2030’s goal of a vibrant society and sustainable economy. The Kingdom’s green initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, align with the IsDB’s mission to combat desertification and promote climate resilience. As Dr. Al Jasser noted, long-term partnerships and innovative financing are essential to building a future where land degradation is reversed, and communities thrive in harmony with nature.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)?
A1. The IsDB is a multilateral development bank based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, focused on financing infrastructure, agriculture, and climate resilience projects to promote economic development across its 57 member countries.
Q2. Who is Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser?
A2. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser is the President of the IsDB Group, a seasoned economist and former Saudi central bank governor, known for advocating sustainable development and financial cooperation.
Q3. What is COP16?
A3. COP16 is the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh in 2024, focusing on global strategies to combat desertification and drought.
Q4. Why did Dr. Al Jasser speak at COP16?
A4. He spoke to emphasize the IsDB’s commitment to collective action, mobilize resources, and call for global partnerships to address desertification, land degradation, and drought affecting vulnerable regions.
Q5. What key challenges did Dr. Al Jasser highlight?
A5. He highlighted the urgent need to address the impacts of drought, land degradation, and desertification, which disproportionately affect poor communities and exacerbate climate and biodiversity crises.
Q6. How does the IsDB support environmental initiatives?
A6. The IsDB funds climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy projects, providing technical and financial assistance to member states for combating land degradation.
Q7. What role did the Arab Coordination Group play at COP16?
A7. The Arab Coordination Group, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the UNCCD Secretariat, helped prepare the conference and pledged to support partnerships formed, ensuring long-term solutions.
Q8. Why does desertification matter to IsDB member countries?
A8. Many IsDB members are in arid regions facing severe land degradation, which threatens food security, livelihoods, and economic stability, making desertification a critical development challenge.
Q9. How does Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 align with Vision 2030?
A9. Hosting COP16 showcases Saudi Arabia’s environmental leadership and commitment to Vision 2030 goals of sustainability, green initiatives, and economic diversification, boosting its global role.
Q10. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?
A10. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national program under Vision 2030 aiming to plant 10 billion trees, protect marine and coastal areas, and reduce carbon emissions for a sustainable future.
Q11. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?
A11. The Middle East Green Initiative is a regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to combat desertification, restore land, and promote renewable energy in collaboration with neighboring countries.
Q12. How does COP16 address drought management?
A12. COP16 focuses on policies and funding for drought early warning systems, water conservation, and sustainable land management to build resilience in drought-prone regions worldwide.
Q13. What is the UNCCD?
A13. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international treaty established in 1994 to combat land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought in drylands.
Q14. What solutions did Dr. Al Jasser propose for desertification?
A14. He called for unified global partnerships, increased resource mobilization, and fair transitions toward sustainable development, emphasizing long-term cooperation beyond the conference.
Q15. How does the IsDB measure its environmental impact?
A15. The IsDB tracks its investments through sustainability metrics, including climate finance targets, land restoration outcomes, and contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Q16. What is the significance of the Arab Coordination Group’s pledge?
A16. The group’s pledge ensures sustained financial and technical support for COP16 partnerships, aiming to scale up projects that tackle desertification across the region.
Q17. How does land degradation affect global food security?
A17. Land degradation reduces soil fertility and water availability, leading to lower crop yields and food scarcity, which disproportionately harms developing countries and vulnerable populations.
Q18. What was Dr. Al Jasser’s message to global leaders?
A18. He urged leaders to act urgently and collaboratively, emphasizing that desertification is a shared challenge requiring joint efforts, innovative financing, and sustainable practices.
Q19. How does the IsDB promote climate resilience?
A19. The IsDB invests in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and water infrastructure, while also providing policy advice to help member countries adapt to climate change effects.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of COP16 for Saudi Arabia?
A20. COP16 is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role as an environmental leader, attract global partnerships, and advance Vision 2030 goals by promoting land restoration and sustainable development.
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