UNITED NATIONS
JOURNAL
Sixteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16)
2-13 December 2024
UNCCD
Programme of Meetings and Agenda
Conference of the Parties
Opening Ceremony
COP 1st meeting
Opening of the session by the President of the Conference of the Parties at its fifteenth session
Organizational matters [item 1]
(a) Election of the President
Statement by the President of the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth session
Welcome remarks by the Mayor of Riyadh
Opening remarks by the United Nations Deputy Secretary General (video)
Welcome remarks by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Statement by the Prime Minister of Mongolia, official host of the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties
Statement by the Prime Minister of Niger
Keynote speaker, Mr. Johan Rockström (Special Report on Land)
Presentation of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience partnership (MEWA) (video)
Statement by the Islamic Development Bank President on behalf of the Arab Coordination Group
Announcement by the President of the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth session on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Statements by the representatives of regional and interest groups
Statement by a representative of civil society organizations
COP 2nd meeting
Organizational matters [item 1]
(b) Adoption of the agenda (ICCD/COP(16)/1)
(c) Election of officers other than the President:
(i) Election of Vice-Presidents
(e) Accreditation of intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations and representatives from the private sector, and admission of observers (ICCD/COP(16)/14)
(f) Organization of work, including the sessions of the subsidiary bodies
Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience: "From Geneva to Riyadh and beyond, enhancing global and national policy instruments for a proactive drought management approach"
Committee of the Whole
COW 1st meeting
Following immediately after the adjournment of the 2nd meeting of the Conference of the Parties.
Programme and budget [item 6]
(a) Programme and budget for the biennium 2025–2026 (ICCD/COP(16)/5, ICCD/COP(16)/6-ICCD/CRIC(22)/2, ICCD/COP(16)/22)
(b) Financial performance for the Convention trust funds (ICCD/COP(16)/7, ICCD/CRIC(22)/3)
- Audited financial statements for the Convention trust funds (ICCD/COP(16)/8, ICCD/COP(16)/9)
- Report on the status of contributions to the Convention trust funds (2022–2024) (ICCD/COP(16)/10)
(c) Report of the Evaluation Office (ICCD/COP(16)/11, ICCD/COP(16)/22)
Introduction and discussion
Policy frameworks and thematic issues [item 4]
- Drought (ICCD/COP(16)/15, ICCD/COP(16)/20, ICCD/COP(16)/22)
Introduction and discussion
Forthcoming official meetings
Conference of the Parties
COP 3rd meeting
Ministerial dialogue on finance: “Unlocking public and private finance for land restoration and drought resilience” (item 5 a ii)
The ministerial dialogue addresses the critical need for increased investments to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought, which cost the global economy 10 trillion USD annually. Public finance supports long-term restoration projects, while private finance introduces innovative tools like green bonds and impact investing.
COP 4th meeting
Ministerial Dialogue: Impacts of Land Degradation and Drought on Forced Migration, Security and Prosperity (item 5 a iii)
The ministerial dialogue will examine how sustainable land management (SLM) and drought resilience can address the interconnected challenges of land degradation, forced migration, and conflict. With 3.2 billion people globally affected by land degradation and over 120 million forcibly displaced, these issues undermine stability, security and livelihoods.
High Level Segment - Closing Session, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
COP 5th meeting
Formal statements session
List of speakers and their statements
- GABON
Her Excellency Ms. Arcadie Svetlana Minguengui Ndomba, Minister of Environment, Climate and Human-Wildlife Conflict
- BANGLADESH
Her Excellency Ms. Syeda Rizwana Hasan Minister (Advisor), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- MALI
Her Excellency Ms. Doumbia Mariam Tangara, Minister of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development
- REPUBLIC OF GUINEA
- THE REPUBLIC OF MADAGASCAR
- LESOTHO
His Excellency Mr. Letsema Adontsi, Minister of Environment and Forestry
- NICARAGUA
His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Farrara Lashtar, Minister Advisor to the President of the Republic for Africa, the Middle East, and Arab Countries
- UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
- FRANCE
His Excellency Mr. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, Secretary of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships
- SPAIN
His Excellency Mr. Hugo Alfonso Moran Fernández, Secretary of State for the Environment
- SERBIA
- PORTUGAL
His Excellency Mr. Emídio Sousa, Secretary of State for Environment
- SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
His Excellency Mr. Moutaz Douaji, Deputy Minister of Local Administration and Environment
- UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
His Excellency Mr. Khamis Hamza Khamis Deputy Minister from the Vice President's Office (Union and Environment)
- AUSTRALIA
Ms Kim Farrant, Assistant Secretary, Future Drought Fund Strategy and Delivery Branch, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Mr. Toirambe Bamoninga Benjamin, Secretary General for the Environment and Sustainable Development
- SURINAME
Mr. Iemdaad Nasser Rodjan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment
- ARMENIA
Ms. Narine Hakobyan, Deputy Head of Land and Underground resources policy Department of The Ministry of Environment
- CANADA
His Excellency Mr. Jean-Philippe Linteau Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
- BARBADOS
The Hon. Mr. Adrian Forde Minister of Environment and National Beautification
- SRI LANKA
His Excellency Mr. Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
- PHILIPPINES
Mr. Rommel A. Romato, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh
- NEPAL
Mr. Rajendra KC, Head of Delegation
- PANAMA
Ms. Erika Gomez, Lead Negotiator
- MONGOLIA
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Ms. Grethel Aguilar, Director General
- Foundation for the Development of the Dry and Semi-Arid Zones of Mesoamerica
Ms. Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division
- UNCCD Interregional Group Central Asia - Russia
Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention
CRIC 1st meeting
Opening of the twenty-second session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention by the Chair of the Committee
Statement by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Statements by representatives of the regional and interest groups and a representative of non-governmental organizations
Organizational matters [item 1]
(a) Adoption of the agenda and organization of work (ICCD/CRIC(22)/1)
(b) Election of officers other than the Chair of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention
Effective implementation of the Convention at national, subregional and regional levels [item 2]
(b) Multi-year workplan for Convention institutions and subsidiary bodies (ICCD/COP(16)/6-ICCD/CRIC(22)/2, ICCD/COP(16)/22/Add.1)
(c) Performance of Convention institutions and subsidiary bodies (ICCD/CRIC(22)/3)
(a) Review of the report of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention on its twenty-first session (ICCD/CRIC(21)/11 and ICCD/CRIC(22)/8)
Introduction and discussion
Committee on Science and Technology
CST 1st meeting
Opening of the sixteenth session of the Committee on Science and Technology by the Chair of the Committee
Statement by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Statements by representatives of the regional and interest groups and a representative of non-governmental organizations
Organizational matters [item 1]
(a) Adoption of the agenda and organization of work (ICCD/COP(16)/CST/1)
(b) Election of officers other than the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology
Items resulting from the work programme of the Science-Policy Interface for the triennium 2022–2024 [item 2]
(a) Evidence on sustainable land use systems and their potential to address desertification/land degradation and drought (ICCD/COP(16)/CST/2, ICCD/COP(16)/CST/10)
(b) Evidence on historical global and regional aridity trends and future projections that may contribute to expanding drylands and affected populations and the adaptation approaches (ICCD/COP(16)/CST/3, ICCD/COP(16)/CST/10)
Interactive dialogue
Introduction and discussion
Regional consultations
JUSCANZ
Contact groups
Contact group on programme and budget
Action agenda
Inauguration of the Resilience Pavilion: Launch of International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO) and Global Drought Atlas
Explore the prototype of the first global, AI-powered data platform for proactive drought management and an initiative of the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) to help analyze and visualize key social and environmental drought resilience indicators and support practical decisions.
As record-breaking droughts are becoming a new normal around the globe, the UNCCD and the European Commission Joint Research Centre launch the most comprehensive global publication on drought risks and solutions as an urgent wake-up call for world leaders and citizens.
Other meetings
Group of Arab States Coordination Meeting
COP 16 Opening press conference
CoW-Contact group on other matters
Interregional Group Central Asia-Russia
Announcements
Registration for Delegates
Registration for delegations of country Parties, United Nations organisations, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, side event participants, media and other participants will take place as follows:
Any changes to the opening hours of the registration desk will be communicated in the Official Journal of the session.
Identity badges will be issued at the time of registration, and participants are requested to wear them at all times, as they will not be allowed access to the session venue without presenting them.
Changwon Pavilion: Advancing Land Restoration Neutrality Goals (Blue Zone, D)
The Changwon Pavilion, rooted in the Republic of Korea’s Changwon Initiative launched at COP10, brings renewed focus to combating desertification and achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
Located in Zone D/D13, this pavilion offers a dynamic platform for events showcasing forestry innovations, land restoration techniques, and global partnerships driving progress toward SDG15.3. Attendees can engage with diverse initiatives aimed at reversing land degradation while celebrating the enduring legacy of this visionary commitment to sustainable land use.
Resilience Pavilion: Pioneering Drought Solutions (Pavilion C17)
As drought’s severe impacts on economies and societies take center stage at UNCCD COP 16, the Resilience Pavilion emerges as a hub for innovation and action. Supported by the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), this pavilion will spotlight groundbreaking solutions to prepare for and adapt to harsher droughts.
A highlight is the unveiling of International Drought Resilience Observatory, the world’s first AI-powered global data platform designed to assess and enhance drought resilience. An immersive experience will offer COP 16 participants a glimpse into this innovative platform, which is in the prototype stage and is expected to launch at COP 17 in 2026.
Credentials
Delegations are advised to contact Ms. Aphrodite Smagadi (00966 568701092) and Mr. Stadler Trengove (00966 568682169), AREA B, Office no 11 – Legal Office as soon as possible.
Electronic Information Service
Delegations are advised that wireless internet access is available throughout the venue. The network name is COP16 Public, and no password is required.
A Computer Center is located in Area-C, providing 100 workstations and printing facilities. An ICT Helpdesk counter is also available in the same area to assist with technical support.
A link to the stream of the meetings of the COP 16 session can be found on the UN Web TV website, the COP 16 page of the UNCCD website.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found service is located near the Registration area, offering convenient access near the Main Entrance.
Medical Support and Emergency Response
Medical services will be provided throughout the event by qualified healthcare professionals, ensuring that assistance is readily available. The Medical Care Center is located near the Registration area, close to the Main Entrance.
Emergency Response:
- Immediate Action: Medical vehicles will be stationed on-site to ensure a rapid response in case of emergencies.
- Coordination with Local Services: Collaboration with local emergency teams will be ensured to manage serious medical situations effectively.
- Health and Safety Standards: All procedures will adhere to the most current guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities.
- Ambulance Placement: Ambulances will be strategically located at key areas, including the Blue Zone and VIP sections, to ensure quick access to medical care.
You can find a list of Emergency Contact Numbers here.
The KSA Emergency number is 112 (reachable without a SIM card).
Meeting Rooms for Regional and Interest Groups
Requests for inclusion in the schedule of meetings of regional and interest groups should be communicated to:
Kayhan UI (kul [at] unccd.int (kul[at]unccd[dot]int) ; phone: 00966-544050235) or Mahamadou Tari Bako (mbako [at] unccd.int (mbako[at]unccd[dot]int) ; phone: 00966-568723965).
Shuttle Service and Interactive Map
To facilitate seamless transportation during COP 16, a dedicated shuttle service has been arranged between the conference venue and official hotels.
Use our Interactive Map to explore routes and locations, including shuttle pickup and drop-off points, along with timetables for transportation between hotels, the venue, and the airport. This resource is also available in the app under COP 16 Information.
We encourage participants to use the shuttle service to minimize environmental impact and ease transportation logistics. Thank you for contributing to a sustainable COP 16!
The UNCCD Conference App
The UNCCD Conference App is an easy tool for participants of official UNCCD events to have access to the latest conference schedules, all official documents and other relevant information related to the UNCCD process and conference logistics. It also provides information on the latest up-to-date schedule of events.
The UNCCD Conference App is relevant for all delegates and other participants of all sessions of the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP), the Committee of Science and Technology (CST) and the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC).
