The Science-Policy Interface Day at COP 16 was dedicated to fostering dialogue among scientists, policymakers and practitioners on addressing desertification, land degradation and drought. The day's focus was on historical and future aridity trends and sustainable land use systems.

The event explored two critical dimensions: adapting to aridification and scaling up systems approaches to land use and management. Drawing from recent scientific assessments, the SPI presented findings on aridity trends and their role in climate adaptation, along with strategies for addressing land degradation through sustainable land use systems.

Panel discussions and interactive sessions provided a platform for sharing knowledge, case studies and practical solutions. Participants discussed how to scale up effective practices and integrate science into policy, with a focus on fostering collaboration and aligning efforts under the three Rio conventions. Audience engagement was central to ensuring diverse perspectives that contribute to enhancing land resilience to aridity.