Saudi Arabia highlighted the historic achievements of its presidency of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) during an opening press conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 17, 2026. Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Osama Faqeeha detailed the Kingdom’s two-year leadership, which brought land degradation and drought to the forefront of international agendas.
Context and Background
The COP16 presidency marked a transformative period for global environmental governance, extending well beyond the conference hosted in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia maintained sustained international leadership to advance the implementation of COP16 outcomes, strengthen cooperation, and follow up on launched initiatives. Dr. Faqeeha emphasized that the presidency was a historical and qualitative shift, ensuring that land degradation and drought remained priorities in global forums.
Key Achievements and Initiatives
Under the Saudi presidency, COP16 achieved unprecedented milestones, including the establishment of a Green Zone alongside the Blue Zone for the first time in UNCCD history. The conference attracted over 100,000 participants from 170 countries, a significant increase from 7,000 at COP15. Saudi Arabia mobilized more than $12 billion in financial pledges and adopted decisions on rangelands, pastoralists, and agricultural lands, alongside a 24-provision drought decision framework.
Global Impact and Engagement
The presidency also advanced initiatives like the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership and the International Sand and Dust Storm Monitoring Initiative with the World Meteorological Organization. The Riyadh Action Agenda expanded to over 100 initiatives, fostering global collaboration. The Kingdom’s outreach included key events such as the World Economic Forum, Munich Security Conference, and UN General Assembly meetings, solidifying its role as a global environmental leader.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s COP16 presidency aligns perfectly with Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, economic diversification, and global citizenship. By spearheading initiatives to combat land degradation and drought, the Kingdom demonstrates its leadership in addressing global environmental challenges while advancing its strategic goals. The ongoing support for COP17 ensures that these efforts endure, contributing to a sustainable future for all.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the primary purpose of the press conference in Ulaanbaatar?
A1. The press conference aimed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s achievements during its COP16 presidency, detailing the initiatives and outcomes that emerged from its two-year leadership, and to highlight the handover to Mongolia.
Q2. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the Ulaanbaatar press conference?
A2. Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Osama Faqeeha represented Saudi Arabia, outlining the Kingdom’s key achievements and the strategic impact of its COP16 presidency.
Q3. What was a historic achievement at COP16 in Riyadh?
A3. A historic achievement was the establishment of a Green Zone alongside the Blue Zone for the first time in the history of the UNCCD, which significantly expanded engagement and participation.
Q4. How many participants attended COP16?
A4. COP16 attracted over 100,000 participants from 170 countries, a notable increase from previous conferences, demonstrating the global interest and involvement in addressing land degradation.
Q5. What financial pledges were mobilized during COP16?
A5. Over $12 billion in financial pledges were mobilized to combat land degradation, reflecting strong international commitment to addressing the critical issues.
Q6. Which initiatives did Saudi Arabia advance during COP16?
A6. Saudi Arabia advanced the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership and the International Sand and Dust Storm Monitoring Initiative in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization.
Q7. What was the Riyadh Action Agenda?
A7. The Riyadh Action Agenda included over 35 initiatives announced at COP16, expanding to more than 100 initiatives, supporting global actions to restore degraded lands and mitigate drought impacts.
Q8. How many events and pavilions were featured at COP16?
A8. COP16 featured over 820 events and 100 pavilions representing 50 countries and 70 organizations, showcasing a wide array of global participation.
Q9. What was the private sector involvement in COP16?
A9. COP16 saw the largest private-sector participation in UNCCD history, including the first Business4Land Forum, which brought together policymakers and CEOs for actionable solutions.
Q10. How did Saudi Arabia continue its leadership after COP16?
A10. After COP16, Saudi Arabia continued to lead for two years through five integrated tracks, expanding diplomatic engagement and advancing the Riyadh Action Agenda.
Q11. What was the significance of the drought decision at COP16?
A11. The parties agreed on a 24-provision decision on drought, marking a critical step toward finalizing the negotiation at COP17, showing collective commitment.
Q12. Which global events did Saudi Arabia contribute to during its presidency?
A12. Saudi Arabia contributed to the World Economic Forum, Munich Security Conference, ChangeNOW in Paris, Bonn Climate Change Conference, and others.
Q13. How many workshops were organized during the presidency?
A13. Nearly 15 workshops were organized with stakeholders worldwide to enhance synergies and facilitate information exchange among initiative owners.
Q14. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?
A14. The Middle East Green Initiative is a regional effort showcased by Saudi Arabia at COP17, aiming to address environmental challenges such as land degradation and drought.
Q15. How did COP16 enhance global cooperation?
A15. COP16 strengthened international cooperation by bringing together 170 countries, fostering partnerships and initiatives that span across regions and sectors.
Q16. What is the role of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership?
A16. The partnership is the first global collaborative initiative for preparedness, securing over $12 billion in pledges to combat drought.
Q17. What does the handover of the presidency mean for Saudi Arabia?
A17. The handover represents a transition of the presidency, not an end to Saudi Arabia’s efforts, as it will continue to support the implementation of outcomes and partnerships.
Q18. How did Saudi Arabia ensure the sustainability of its initiatives?
A18. Saudi Arabia will provide support and advice to the COP17 Presidency and continue to strengthen international partnerships, ensuring the sustainability of initiatives.
Q19. What is included in Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at COP17?
A19. The Kingdom’s pavilion in the Blue Zone features a comprehensive program of 40 side events with the participation of 22 local entities.
Q20. How does the COP16 presidency align with Vision 2030?
A20. The presidency aligns with Vision 2030 by advancing environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and global leadership, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a greener future.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.