UNCCD Executive Secretary Dr. Yasmine Fouad welcomes Saudi Arabia's landmark achievement in land restoration

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Your Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley,
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you today, through this recorded message, on this important occasion that celebrates a remarkable national achievement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What we celebrate today—the rehabilitation of one million hectares of degraded land—is not merely a number. It is tangible proof that land restoration is possible, even in the most challenging environments. It is an achievement realized on the ground, supported by science, guided by an integrated approach, and driven by a clear determination to create change.

At a time when the world is facing an unprecedented acceleration in land degradation and worsening drought impacts, this achievement sends a powerful message:
that solutions exist, and that collective action can turn challenges into opportunities.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has demonstrated how countries—even in arid environments with limited water resources—can lead a global model in ecosystem restoration by adopting nature-based solutions, leveraging innovation, and strengthening the integration between policies and practices.

This achievement also stands as part of a broader national vision under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims not only to plant trees, but to restore ecosystem functions, enhance biodiversity, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

What further distinguishes this effort is its reliance on rigorous scientific methodologies for measurement and verification, enhancing the credibility of results and offering a model that can be replicated globally.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Land restoration is not only an environmental issue—it is a development and humanitarian imperative.

This achievement directly contributes to:

• Strengthening food security,
• Supporting local economies,
• Creating jobs,
• Enhancing resilience to climate change,
• And improving the quality of life for communities. 

At both regional and global levels, land restoration is a key tool for addressing broader challenges, including reducing drivers of displacement and migration linked to land degradation, enhancing stability in fragile regions, and supporting international efforts for climate adaptation and resilience.

What we are witnessing today in the Kingdom also reflects the power of partnerships, where government, private sector, and society have come together to achieve this milestone. It confirms that multilateral action is not an option, but a necessity to deliver the transformation required.

In this context, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification highly values the Kingdom’s leadership role—through the Middle East Green Initiative, the Global Land Initiative, and its Presidency of the Conference of the Parties—contributing to raising global ambition and strengthening collective action.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Land restoration is an investment in people, in stability, and in a more sustainable future.

What has been achieved today is not the end of the journey, but an important step along a longer path that requires continued commitment, accelerated action, and expanded partnerships.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this outstanding achievement and for its continued role in advancing the global environmental agenda.

We look forward to continuing this constructive collaboration toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Thank you, and peace be upon you.