Today's Edition
RIYADH (WAM)
President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, highlighted the interconnected nature of global environmental challenges and called for integrated solutions during her keynote at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the opening of Land Day, Al Mubarak emphasised that land restoration lies at the heart of efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and build resilient communities.
“Land is more than a resource; it is the foundation of our resilience and the stage where we can deliver transformative solutions for a sustainable future,” she said.
“COP16 marks a critical turning point, with the launch of the first Action Agenda demonstrating the global community’s commitment to moving from words to action.”
The Action Agenda at COP16 represents a bold step forward in uniting stakeholders across governments, private sector leaders, civil society, and indigenous communities to restore degraded lands, enhance resilience, and align efforts across the three Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate, and desertification.
Al Mubarak also underscored the importance of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in addressing these interconnected crises.
“Nature-based Solutions provide a roadmap for addressing land degradation, enhancing carbon storage, and protecting biodiversity, all while improving livelihoods,” she said.
Al Mubarak highlighted the IUCN’s leadership in promoting globally recognised standards for NbS, which ensure that such solutions are inclusive, measurable, and effective.
During COP16, Al Mubarak participated in a series of high-level events. At the One Water Summit, she highlighted the vital role of ecosystems and land restoration in securing water resources.
Speaking at the Gender Caucus, she emphasised the critical role of women in sustainable land management and restoration, calling for policies that promote gender equity and strengthen women’s land rights.
She also moderated a discussion on enhancing synergies across the Rio Conventions, which explored actionable pathways for integrated implementation of global goals.
Reflecting on the significance of COP16, Al Mubarak remarked, “This conference is not an endpoint; it is a bridge to the future. From Riyadh to Belém, let us use this momentum to deepen our collective commitment, accelerate action, and align our efforts. Together, we can restore our lands, protect our planet, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
