COP16 media advisory: 7 December 2024

6 December 2024
Press release

Journalists are invited to cover People’s Day at UNCCD COP16, a pivotal moment on Day 6 featuring high-level dialogues and interactive sessions that highlight the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, youth, and gender equality in combating desertification and land degradation, while showcasing innovative solutions, fostering inclusive participation, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable land restoration.

Key Events

High-level Event: Indigenous Peoples for Land

When: 10:-00–13:00
Where: MET-33

For the first time, UNCCD COP16 will host a dedicated dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, focusing on integrating their voices into UNCCD implementation. The session will work on crafting recommendations for meaningful Indigenous participation, especially in rangeland protection, ahead of the International Year of Rangelands. Indigenous representatives will also engage in high-level events and People’s Day activities to call for greater partnerships and support for their contributions to land restoration.

Youth Forum: Action for Land, Restoring Work for Resilient and Sustainable Futures

When: 15:00 – 18:00
Where: MET-33

Under the patronage of the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, this forum gathers ministers, UNCCD leadership, COP presidencies, international organizations, youth-led initiatives like the Youth Negotiator Academy, and partners such as AGFUND and the MISK Foundation. Discussions will address challenges in combating desertification and explore technology, community solutions, and youth leadership in building resilience and sustainability.

Gender Caucus: Emerging Best Practices on the Collection of Sex-Disaggregated Data and Gender-Responsive Indicators for DLDD Initiatives

When: 15:00 – 16:20
Where: MET-24

This session showcases best practices in gender-responsive indicators and sex-disaggregated data for monitoring drought, land degradation, and desertification. It aims to inform UNCCD’s next strategic framework with refined metrics.

Other Press Events

Daily Press Conference on Peoples Day

When: 14:00-14:30
Where: MET-17

Speakers:

Tarja Halonen, Former President of Finland, Sustainability Advocate and UNCCD Co-Chair of the Gender Caucus.
Her Highness Princess Mashael bint Saud Al-Shalan , Co-Founder, Aeon Collective, Saudi Arabia
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT)

This media briefing tackles the role of indigenous people, youth, and women in land restoration and as champions of inclusive and sustainable development.

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