Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment: Statement by Ibrahim Thiaw

Excellencies,

Compared to other regions, the Arab world is probably the one most affected by desertification and drought. From the Maghreb to the Gulf, from the Sahara and the Sahel to the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Red sea.

More than anywhere else in the world, the Arab region is facing a water crisis.

The region’s famous waterways are disappearing.

Once-roaring rivers have been reduced to trickles that can easily be crossed on foot.

With only 2 per cent of the world’s renewable water supplies, the Arab region is one of the driest region in the world.

What could be more fitting than for the Arab region to host this year the most universal of United Nations assemblies devoted to land degradation and water scarcity?

What could be more meaningful than for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to have been chosen by the 197 contracting Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification to host COP16 in Riyadh?

During the two weeks of the COP this December and the intersessional period that follows, all eyes will be on, and hopes will be pinned on Arab leadership.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the opportunity to usher a new chapter for the Convention, as it marks its 30th anniversary this year.

For too long, many viewed the loss of arable land and drought-induced disruptions as local problems to be solved by the affected countries, with international support limited to humanitarian aid and small-scale projects.

However, scientific advancements have revealed that these natural phenomena are deeply interconnected, with climate change and land degradation driving social consequences such as forced migration, inter-community conflicts, and growing competition for resources such as fertile land and water.

Let us say it loud and clear: world peace, prosperity and human security may be under even greater threat unless we take a more serious look at the issues of land and water.

We need to produce twice as much food over the next few decades, to meet our growing needs (and greed), at a time when it is necessary to cut back on the amount of agricultural land and freshwater we use, particularly in arid and semi-arid zones.

I want to take this opportunity to stress to you the urgency of investing more in land restoration and drought resilience to avert this global crisis.

This is because the benefits of restoration extend beyond agriculture, boosting job creation, biodiversity and economic growth.

Let there be no misunderstanding: land degradation and drought may well manifest themselves locally, but their consequences are global.

Often, the root causes of these wounds are historical and partly exogenous to the territories affected. Consequently, solutions to address their enormous consequences must be global as well.

UNCCD COP 16 is therefore the ideal time to better position Arab League countries at the global level in this crucial area.

First and foremost, to offer their long experience and share their traditional knowledge in combating desertification and managing water crises.

Second: by proving to the world that it's possible to live decently in arid zones, as long as you respect and adapt to nature.

Third, by leading by example in investing in land restoration and drought resilience.

COP 16 is not just a conference.

COP16 will be a landmark event for accelerating action on land and drought resilience and a gamechanger for the green transition in Saudi Arabia and indeed the Arab region and beyond.

Finally, I would like to say that the countries of the Arab League and the Arab Coordination Group can leave an indelible mark on the world from their first UNCCD COP. By giving decisive support to the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, promoted by Saudi Arabia, you will make history.

This COP16 is yours. From 2 to 13 December, Riyadh will be the world capital of intense negotiations on Land degradationn and drought.

Together, let's make COP 16 Riyadh a success.