COP16 media advisory: 4 December 2024

3 December 2024
Press release

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Arabic

UNCCD COP16: Driving Business Innovation and Sustainable Practices for Land Restoration

Journalists are invited to attend Day 3 of COP16, which focuses on practical solutions and innovative partnerships to tackle land degradation and promote sustainability. Highlights include the Business for Land Forum, showcasing how businesses are driving change in land restoration, and Fashion for Land, exploring the environmental impact of the textile industry and its role in sustainable land management.

The day also features expert-led discussions, report launches and press briefings, providing valuable insights into global efforts to build resilient landscapes and communities.

Key Events

Business 4 Land Champions

When: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 8:00–9:45
Where: MET-25

A high-level gathering to showcase the intersection of business, finance, and policy in driving sustainable land management. The forum will spotlight private sector contributions to soil and water restoration and strategies for scaling impactful actions globally.

Global Rangelands Standards: A Framework for Sustainable Pastoral Futures

When: Wednesday, 4 December, 15:00–15:45

Where: MET-24

The launch of a comprehensive framework to promote sustainable pastoral practices, focusing on building resilience in communities and ecosystems reliant on rangelands.

The Nature of Business: The Path to Prosperity and Sustainability

When: Wednesday, 4 December, 9:30–11:00

Where: MET-21

André Hoffmann presents a visionary approach for businesses to align profitability with sustainability. Drawing on case studies from companies like Roche and IKEA, the session outlines actionable strategies for a balanced and inclusive future.

High Level Interactive Dialogue : Gender Caucus. HerLand: Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Land Management

When: Wednesday 4 December, 10:00–13:00

Where: MET-11

A critical platform for promoting gender-responsive solutions in land management. This session will highlight women-led initiatives, practical tools, and the use of sex-disaggregated data to inform future strategies for drought resilience.

Fashion 4 Land

When: Wednesday, 4 December, 18:00–20:00
Where: MET-25

This event explores the intricate connection between the fashion industry and land health, focusing on the impact of fiber production on soil and sustainable land use. It will encourage innovative approaches to fashion’s environmental footprint.

Press briefings & conferences

ICARDA Press Conference for the Launch of the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands

When: Wednesday, 4 December, 14:00–14:30
Where: MET-17

Speakers:

Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director CGIAR
Eng. Aly Abousabaa, Director General ICARDA & Regional Director CWANA of CGIAR
Dr. Stanford Blade, acting Deputy Director General, ICRISAT
Dr.RebbieHarawa, Africa Director ICRISAT
Dr. Michael Baum, acting Deputy Director General, ICARDA

On behalf of collaborating CGIAR Centers, partners, and stakeholders who played a vital role in its development, ICARDA and ICRISAT are thrilled to launch the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) – a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionize dryland agriculture and generate thriving and resilient livelihoods in dryland communities across the world.

To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

Media Briefing for European Investment Bank

When: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 15:00–15:30
Where: MET-17

Speakers:

Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice President

The EIB Vice President, Gelsomina Vigliotti, and expert colleagues will discuss the EIB’s commitment to financing sustainable land management and drought resilience projects globally, with a focus on the interconnectedness of the three Rio Conventions (CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD).

To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

Media Briefing on Business 4 Land

When: Wednesday 4 December 15:30–16.00

Where : MET-17

Speakers:

Sarah Toumi, Monitoring Officer at the UNCCD Global Mechanism
Neo Gim Huay is Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic ForumWEF

The media briefing will highlight private sector actions to restore soil and water resources, showcasing innovative solutions and strategies for scaling sustainable land management.

To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

Media Briefing on a Arab Coordination Group’s USD 10 bn pledge to reverse land degradation

When: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 16:15–16:45
Where: MET-17

Speakers:

Representative from Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (TBC)

Representatives from the Arab Coordination Group will discuss the pledge in greater detail and what it means for land restoration.

Caribbean Small Island Developing States Press Conference

When: Wednesday 4 December 17:00–17:30

Where : MET-17

Speakers:

Minister Vaughn Miller, Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources - the Bahamas
Minister Alfred Prospere, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development- Saint Lucia

The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM)wishes to convene a briefing session to further discuss the formation of the UNCCD Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Forum and convene an interim executive committee to oversee the further work necessary to the launch of the Forum.

To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

Media Accreditation

All journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.

For inquiries, contact press [at] unccd.int (press[at]unccd[dot]int)

Key resources