COP16 Riyadh Presidency Hosts Workshop to Foster Private-Sector Engagement

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Presidency of the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) convened a dedicated workshop on October 10, 2024, aimed at fostering private-sector participation in the upcoming conference and encouraging businesses to explore environmentally friendly investment opportunities. The workshop, held in Riyadh, brought together organizers of COP16 and representatives from the private sector to discuss ways to amplify the role of business and capital in global efforts to combat land degradation and promote land reclamation. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusive environmental stewardship and its belief that the private sector is a pivotal partner in both preserving the environment and advancing economic growth.

The gathering comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host COP16 later this year, a significant international event that underscores the Kingdom’s growing leadership in global environmental diplomacy. By inviting companies to leverage the newly established Green Zone—a feature introduced for the first time in this conference—Saudi Arabia aims to create a dynamic space where innovation, investment, and sustainability converge. How can the private sector’s engagement in COP16 help shape a more sustainable future for all? The workshop served as a clarion call to businesses to join the global movement against desertification, aligning with the objectives of the UNCCD and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. Established in 1994, the UNCCD addresses the pressing challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. COP16, the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties, will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in December 2024. This marks the first time the conference is held in the Middle East, highlighting the region’s unique vulnerability to desertification and its potential to lead in land restoration efforts. Why is it significant that a major oil-producing nation is hosting a global conference on combating desertification? The answer lies in Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey toward environmental sustainability and economic diversification.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is a testament to its proactive approach to environmental challenges, both domestically and internationally. The Kingdom has long recognized the threat of desertification, which affects over 90% of its land area. Through initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, Saudi Arabia has committed to planting billions of trees, restoring degraded lands, and reducing carbon emissions. These efforts are integral to Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification and social reform. The Riyadh Presidency’s workshop on private-sector engagement is a strategic step to ensure that COP16 not only yields diplomatic agreements but also mobilizes the financial and technological resources of the business community. How can public-private partnerships accelerate the restoration of degraded lands? The workshop sought to answer this by fostering dialogue and collaboration.

The workshop also reflects a broader global trend: the increasing recognition that governments alone cannot solve complex environmental problems. The private sector, with its capital, innovation, and efficiency, is essential for scaling up solutions. By engaging businesses early in the COP16 process, the Riyadh Presidency aims to create a legacy of sustained private-sector involvement in land restoration and sustainable development. This approach aligns with the UNCCD’s call for multi-stakeholder partnerships and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Key Details of the Workshop

The workshop, held on October 10, 2024, in Riyadh, was attended by representatives from various Saudi ministries, state agencies, and private-sector entities, including corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs. The primary objective was to outline the opportunities for private-sector participation in COP16 and to encourage companies to explore environmentally friendly investment opportunities. A key focus was the Green Zone, a new addition to the COP16 format. The Green Zone will serve as a platform for businesses, NGOs, and innovators to showcase sustainable technologies, forge partnerships, and engage with policymakers. It is designed to be a vibrant hub where the private sector can demonstrate its commitment to combating land degradation and contribute to global land reclamation goals.

During the workshop, organizers emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in both environmental preservation and economic advancement. They highlighted that investing in land restoration is not only an ethical imperative but also a smart business decision, given the growing market for sustainable products and services. The workshop also underscored the need for innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, impact investing, and public-private partnerships, to fund large-scale restoration projects. How can companies benefit from aligning their business strategies with environmental sustainability? The workshop provided concrete examples and success stories to illustrate the potential returns.

Moreover, the workshop served as a networking platform, allowing private-sector representatives to connect with government officials and international experts. This interaction is expected to catalyze new collaborations and investment deals that will be announced during COP16. The Riyadh Presidency plans to continue engaging the private sector through a series of follow-up events, ensuring that the momentum generated by the workshop translates into tangible outcomes. By leveraging the Green Zone and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to make COP16 a turning point in the global fight against desertification.

International and Regional Impact

The Riyadh Presidency’s workshop has significant implications for international and regional efforts to combat desertification. Globally, land degradation affects nearly 2 billion hectares of land, impacting the livelihoods of over 3 billion people. The UNCCD estimates that 12 million hectares of land are lost to desertification each year, contributing to food insecurity, forced migration, and conflict. By mobilizing the private sector, COP16 can accelerate the implementation of the UNCCD’s strategic framework and help countries achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this arena enhances its standing as a responsible global actor and a bridge-builder between developed and developing nations. What role can international cooperation play in addressing transboundary environmental challenges? The workshop’s outcomes will feed into the broader COP16 negotiations, where countries will set new targets for land restoration.

Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is among the most vulnerable to desertification, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco facing severe land degradation. The workshop’s emphasis on private-sector engagement is particularly relevant for the region, where government resources are often stretched. By involving businesses, the region can tap into additional funding and expertise to implement large-scale restoration projects, such as the Saudi Green Initiative’s goal to plant 10 billion trees and restore 40 million hectares of degraded land. This initiative, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s environmental strategy and a key component of the Middle East Green Initiative, which aims to plant 50 billion trees across the region. How can regional collaboration amplify the impact of national efforts? The workshop encouraged cross-border partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Economic and Strategic Significance

The economic significance of private-sector engagement in COP16 cannot be overstated. Land restoration and sustainable land management represent a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity. According to the UNCCD, every dollar invested in land restoration can yield up to $30 in economic benefits, through improved agricultural productivity, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services. By inviting the private sector to explore green investments, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging market. The Green Zone will provide a platform for companies to showcase their technologies and solutions, attracting investors and buyers from around the world. This, in turn, can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy.

Strategically, the workshop reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental diplomacy and its ambition to be a global leader in sustainability. The Kingdom’s hosting of COP16 is a major diplomatic achievement, demonstrating its ability to convene world leaders and influence global policy. By actively involving the private sector, Saudi Arabia ensures that the conference has a lasting impact beyond governmental agreements. The participation of Saudi companies, such as Aramco, SABIC, and ACWA Power, which are already investing in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, will further enhance the Kingdom’s reputation as a hub for green innovation. Moreover, the workshop’s focus on land reclamation aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to combat drought and food insecurity, which are critical for its national security. How can the private sector contribute to food security through sustainable land management? The workshop explored innovative agricultural practices and water-saving technologies.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The workshop and the broader COP16 initiative are deeply intertwined with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, improve quality of life, and position the Kingdom as a global leader. Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Vision 2030, with ambitious targets for renewable energy, afforestation, and carbon reduction. The Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative are direct manifestations of this commitment. By engaging the private sector in COP16, Saudi Arabia is not only advancing its environmental goals but also creating economic opportunities that will benefit its citizens and contribute to a more sustainable future. The Green Zone, in particular, will be a dynamic space where Vision 2030’s objectives of innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation come to life.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome the world to COP16, the Riyadh Presidency’s workshop serves as a clear signal that the Kingdom is serious about mobilizing all sectors of society to address desertification. The event has set the stage for a conference that will be inclusive, action-oriented, and impactful. By fostering private-sector engagement, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that COP16 leaves a legacy of collaboration and investment that will benefit generations to come. The Kingdom’s leadership in this global endeavor underscores its role as a responsible and forward-looking nation, committed to building a better world for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the workshop held by the Riyadh Presidency of COP16?

A1. The workshop aimed to foster private-sector participation in COP16 and encourage businesses to explore environmentally friendly investment opportunities, particularly in combating land degradation and promoting land reclamation.

Q2. When and where did the workshop take place?

A2. The workshop took place on October 10, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together COP16 organizers and private-sector representatives.

Q3. What is COP16?

A3. COP16 is the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a global conference addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought.

Q4. Why is Saudi Arabia hosting COP16 significant?

A4. It marks the first time the conference is held in the Middle East, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to desertification and Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in environmental diplomacy and sustainability.

Q5. What is the Green Zone in COP16?

A5. The Green Zone is a new feature introduced at COP16, serving as a platform for the private sector, NGOs, and innovators to showcase sustainable technologies, forge partnerships, and engage with policymakers.

Q6. How does the workshop align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A6. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and global leadership, supporting initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

Q7. What role does the private sector play in combating land degradation?

A7. The private sector provides capital, innovation, and efficiency essential for scaling up land restoration projects, developing sustainable technologies, and financing large-scale environmental initiatives.

Q8. What investment opportunities are available in land restoration?

A8. Opportunities include green bonds, impact investing, public-private partnerships, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and carbon capture technologies, with potential returns of up to $30 for every dollar invested.

Q9. How does COP16 relate to the UNCCD?

A9. COP16 is the supreme decision-making body of the UNCCD, where parties review progress, set targets, and mobilize action to combat desertification and achieve Land Degradation Neutrality.

Q10. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

A10. Launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it aims to plant 10 billion trees, restore 40 million hectares of land, and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s environmental goals.

Q11. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?

A11. A regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East, combat desertification, and enhance food security, in collaboration with neighboring countries.

Q12. How can businesses benefit from participating in COP16?

A12. Businesses can gain visibility, forge partnerships, access new markets, showcase innovations, and contribute to global sustainability goals, while benefiting from the growing green economy.

Q13. What are the economic benefits of land restoration?

A13. Land restoration improves agricultural productivity, creates jobs, enhances ecosystem services, and stimulates economic growth, with significant returns on investment.

Q14. How does desertification affect the Middle East?

A14. The region is highly vulnerable, facing severe land degradation, water scarcity, and food insecurity, which can lead to displacement and conflict, making restoration efforts critical.

Q15. What is Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)?

A15. LDN is a target under the UNCCD where countries aim to maintain or enhance the amount of healthy land, balancing degradation with restoration to ensure sustainable land management.

Q16. What follow-up actions are planned after the workshop?

A16. The Riyadh Presidency plans additional events to sustain private-sector engagement, leading to announcements and collaborations during COP16, ensuring lasting impact.

Q17. How can small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participate in COP16?

A17. SMEs can engage through the Green Zone, partnering with larger firms, accessing funding, and showcasing sustainable solutions, contributing to the global fight against desertification.

Q18. What technologies are relevant for combating desertification?

A18. Technologies include water-saving irrigation, drought-resistant crops, renewable energy, carbon capture, and land restoration techniques, many of which will be featured at COP16.

Q19. How does COP16 support global food security?

A19. By restoring degraded land and promoting sustainable agriculture, COP16 helps increase food production, reduce hunger, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of COP16?

A20. COP16 aims to secure commitments for land restoration, mobilize private-sector investment, and set new global targets to combat desertification, leaving a lasting legacy of sustainability.

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