Saudi Arabia Hands Over COP16 Presidency to Mongolia

Saudi Arabia has officially handed over the presidency of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to Mongolia, which will now preside over COP17. The handover ceremony took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 17, 2026, marking the conclusion of Saudi Arabia’s two-year tenure that was widely regarded as a historic transformation in international engagement to address land degradation, desertification, and drought.

Context and Background

Saudi Arabia’s presidency of COP16, which was hosted in Riyadh in December 2024, set new records in international participation and resulted in landmark decisions and initiatives. The handover was conducted by Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, on behalf of Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, who served as President of COP16. The presidency was transferred to Mongolia’s Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg, signaling continuity in global efforts to restore degraded lands and combat desertification.

Key Details

During the opening of COP17, Eng. Al-Fadley emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s participation stems from its steadfast commitment to multilateral action on land degradation, desertification, and drought, aiming to enhance food security and preserve ecosystems. He highlighted the need for effective partnerships and international solidarity involving all parties, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. The Saudi presidency worked closely with the UNCCD secretariat and partners over the past two years, participating in nearly 50 international events to bolster synergies among the three Rio Conventions and promote private sector and international financial institution engagement through the Business for Land Initiative.

One of the major achievements was the Riyadh Action Agenda, which now includes 100 supporting initiatives. The presidency also launched the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience, with commitments exceeding $2 billion from representatives of 64 countries and 30 international organizations. Saudi Arabia also initiated the International Initiative for Early Warning of Dust and Sand Storms, focusing on enhancing forecasting and operational warning services in the Middle East, and the Business for Land initiative to engage the global private sector in sustainable land use.

Implications and Impact

COP16, hosted in Riyadh, attracted nearly 100,000 participants from over 170 countries, hundreds of international organizations, and private sector representatives, making it the largest UNCCD conference to date. The conference organized over 800 events and produced the Riyadh Declaration and dozens of historic decisions related to agricultural land, rangelands, and local community participation. Saudi Arabia’s leadership has set a new benchmark for international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, reinforcing its role as a global leader in sustainability. The successful handover to Mongolia ensures the continuity of these efforts and paves the way for further progress in the coming years.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in global environmental governance reflects its commitment to the goals of Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development, environmental protection, and international cooperation. By spearheading initiatives like the Riyadh Global Partnership and the Riyadh Action Agenda, the Kingdom is not only addressing urgent ecological issues but also positioning itself as a key player in the global green economy. As the world faces escalating climate challenges, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in COP16 and its ongoing collaboration with Mongolia and other nations underscore its dedication to fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia’s presidency of COP16?

A1. Saudi Arabia’s presidency of COP16 was historic, marking a transformative period in enhancing international participation and adopting landmark decisions to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought, with near-record global engagement.

Q2. When and where did the handover ceremony take place?

A2. The handover ceremony took place on August 17, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, during the opening of COP17, where Saudi Arabia transferred the presidency to Mongolia.

Q3. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the handover?

A3. Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, represented Saudi Arabia on behalf of Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Q4. Who received the presidency on behalf of Mongolia?

A4. Mongolia’s Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg received the presidency of COP17 from Saudi Arabia at the handover ceremony.

Q5. What was the focus of Saudi Arabia’s presidency?

A5. The focus was on promoting international cooperation to address land degradation, desertification, and drought, enhancing food security, preserving ecosystems, and building resilience to drought.

Q6. What is the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience?

A6. It is a global initiative launched by Saudi Arabia to proactively prepare for drought in developing countries most vulnerable, through early warning systems, capacity building, and innovative solutions, with commitments exceeding $2 billion.

Q7. What is the Riyadh Action Agenda?

A7. The Riyadh Action Agenda is a multi-stakeholder initiative that enhances voluntary commitments and collective action by the private, non-profit, and government sectors to address land degradation and drought, with 100 supporting initiatives.

Q8. How many participants attended COP16 in Riyadh?

A8. COP16 in Riyadh attracted nearly 100,000 participants from over 170 countries, representing a record international participation for a UNCCD conference.

Q9. What was the outcome of COP16?

A9. COP16 resulted in the Riyadh Declaration, dozens of historic decisions, and the launch of several major initiatives, including the Riyadh Action Agenda and the Global Drought Resilience Partnership.

Q10. How many events were organized during COP16?

A10. Over 800 events were organized during COP16, covering governance frameworks, finance, research, and innovation related to land degradation and desertification.

Q11. What is the Business for Land initiative?

A11. The Business for Land initiative aims to mobilize the global private sector to promote sustainable land use practices and support efforts to restore degraded lands, aligning corporate actions with land degradation neutrality goals.

Q12. What is the International Initiative for Early Warning of Dust and Sand Storms?

A12. It is an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia to enhance forecasting and operational warning services to mitigate the impacts of dust and sand storms on the environment, health, and economy, focusing on the Middle East.

Q13. How does Saudi Arabia’s presidency contribute to global food security?

A13. By addressing land degradation and desertification, Saudi Arabia’s initiatives help restore healthy lands essential for agriculture, thereby contributing to global food security and sustainable resource management.

Q14. What was the role of the private sector in COP16?

A14. The private sector was actively engaged through initiatives like Business for Land, promoting sustainable practices, and participating in financial mechanisms to support land restoration and drought resilience.

Q15. Which international events did Saudi Arabia participate in during its presidency?

A15. Saudi Arabia participated in nearly 50 international events to promote synergies among the Rio Conventions and support the implementation of UNCCD goals, showcasing its global leadership.

Q16. What is the significance of the Riyadh Declaration?

A16. The Riyadh Declaration is a key outcome of COP16, outlining commitments to combat land degradation and desertification, and calling for strengthened international collaboration and resource mobilization.

Q17. How will the handover to Mongolia affect future COP efforts?

A17. The handover ensures continuity and momentum in implementing COP16 outcomes, with Mongolia expected to build on Saudi Arabia’s achievements and continue advancing global land restoration goals.

Q18. What are the main challenges addressed by Saudi Arabia’s leadership?

A18. The main challenges include land degradation, desertification, drought, food and water security, biodiversity loss, and climate change adaptation, all addressed through collaborative initiatives.

Q19. How does Saudi Arabia’s presidency align with Vision 2030?

A19. The presidency aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and international cooperation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in sustainable development.

Q20. What are the future plans for the Riyadh Global Partnership?

A20. Saudi Arabia encourages more countries and organizations to join the partnership to expand its reach, enhance proactive drought preparedness, and implement innovative solutions in vulnerable regions worldwide.

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