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
Open Dialogue Session
COP 6th meeting
Inclusion of activities of civil society organizations within the official programme of work of the Conference of the Parties
Committee on Science and Technology
CST 3rd meeting
Items resulting from the work programme of the Science-Policy Interface for the triennium 2022–2024 (item 2)
(c) Coordination activities of the Science-Policy Interface with other intergovernmental scientific panels and bodies (ICCD/COP(16)/CST/4, ICCD/COP(16)/CST/10)
Introduction and discussion
Innovation and technology in ecologically sustainable agrifood Systems (item 5)
(ICCD/COP(16)/21-ICCD/COP(16)/CST/9)
Introduction and discussion
Review of the work conducted by the Science-Policy Interface (item 3)
ICCD/COP(16)/CST/6, ICCD/COP(16)/CST/10
Introduction and discussion
Forthcoming official meetings
Conference of the Parties
COP16 Bureau Meeting
Committee of the Whole
COW 3rd meeting
Policy frameworks and thematic issues (item 4)
- Sand and dust storms (ICCD/COP(16)/16, ICCD/COP(16)/22)
- Gender (ICCD/COP(16)/17, ICCD/COP(16)/22)
- New emerging issues: grassland and rangeland (ICCD/COP(16)/21-ICCD/COP(16)/CST/9)
Introduction and discussion
Procedural matters (item 7)
(b) Participation and involvement of the private sector in meetings and processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the business engagement strategy
Introduction and discussion
Committee on Science and Technology
CST 4th meeting
Interfacing science and policy, and sharing knowledge (continued) (item 4)
(a) Interfacing science and policy, knowledge sharing and technology transfer
(ICCD/COP(16)/CST/5, ICCD/COP(16)/CST/10)
(b) Work programme of the Science–Policy Interface beyond 2024
(ICCD/COP(16)/CST/7, ICCD/COP(16)/CST/10)
Introduction and discussion
Contact groups
COW Contact Group on other matters
CRIC Contact Group
CST Contact Group
Action agenda
Wrapping up a COP year: the role of agrifood systems across the three Rio Conventions
As the perfect opportunity to set the tone of the Agri-food system day, this event will focus on the transformation towards more sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems and the restoration of agricultural land to achieve multiple co-benefits (food security, LDN, carbon storage, and biodiversity). The agri-food systems provide a common arena to enhance the interlinkages between the three Rio Conventions.
Soil Carbon Sequestration: status and challenges for scaling up
AGFUND, BADEA, Innovation Commission: Flagships projects
AGFUND in collaboration with the UNCCD and BADEA (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa), the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture University of Chicago, are unveiling a five-years flagship initiative aimed at scaling evidence-based and cost-effective innovations to address the pressing issues of land degradation and drought.
NENA High-Level Breakfast Dialogue on Investment for Planet and People
Building a greener future: Tackle the nexus between sustainable value chain and land restoration for the Great Green Wall
World Soil Day celebration
A live stream of the World Soil Day celebration from Bangkok (Thailand) observing the 10th anniversary of WSD followed by a panel discussion leaded by the World Food Prize 2020, Prof Rattan Lal on the status and challenges that global soils are currently facing.
Leverage diaspora resources for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Land Use
Inter-ministerial Coordination in Action
This event serves as a practical demonstration of the “High-level dialogue on the transformation towards more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems,” organized during Agri-food System Day. It presents a unique opportunity to showcase effective inter-ministerial and multi-stakeholder coordination at the country level, translating policy into actionable outcomes.
Restoring the Forgotten Landscapes: A High-Level Dialogue on Funding Grasslands, Savannahs, and Rangelands
Guided by the call to action developed by the International Year on Rangeland and Pastoralism Working Group on Land Degradation Neutrality, the goal of the event is to gather countries, civil society organizations and multilateral funding bodies who are concerned about the degradation of grasslands, savannahs and rangelands and to discuss the mobilization of finance for strategic restoration under the three Rio Conventions.
Deploying Innovative Financing Instruments
This session will discuss the opportunities and challenges of developing and deploying innovative financial instruments in an effort to tackle food security issues amidst climate change
High-level interactive dialogue on sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems
A high-level, interactive, multi-stakeholder dialogue that will detail the actions and contributions of governments and non-state actors to catalyse the transformation towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems. It will launch the Agri-Food Systems component of the Riyadh Action Agenda and step out a pathway for multi-stakeholder collaboration to contribute to the UNCCD’s land degradation neutrality commitments
Enabling environments for smallholder farmers to transition to socio-ecological resilient agri-food systems
Soil Global Act
Sustainable and Integrated Value-Chains Development
This event aims at highlighting the relationships that public and private stakeholders have been managing to develop with producers, smallholder farmers and farmers communities, to guarantee economic profitability while preserving the natural and agricultural resources, first and foremost agricultural land through soil health and productivity.
VACS in Action
VACS movement aims to build sustainable and resilient agri-food systems by leveraging opportunity crops and building healthy soils to enhance agricultural resilience to climate change and improve diets. The event will showcase VACS activities and announce further contribution to the VACS movement.
Launch of the Global Platform on Dryland Agriculture Innovative Technologies
This platform will serve as a comprehensive resource and database of policies, best practices, approaches and technologies suitable for drylands, which will be accessible to the whole global community. This platform will guide research, policy development, and practical interventions, ensuring that dryland agriculture contributes effectively to global food security and environment sustainability.
Framing sustainable agricultural approaches
Sustainable”, “organic”, “agroecological”, “nature-based”, “regenerative” are increasingly being discussed in the context of food systems. What are the differences and synergies between these concepts and frameworks, and how can they contribute to transforming our food systems?
Soil Amendments
During recent years, the technological development coupled with the establishment of startups allowed the development and production of various soil amendments to tackle specific soil problems. This includes biostimulants, bio-fertilizers, nanoclays, microalgae, polymers, biochar, zeolite, etc. The COP16 offers a unique scenario for bringing together producers and users of soil amendments to share their experience in using soil amendments to enhance soil health.
Investing in Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation: The GEF Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP) Launch
The FSIP will kick off in late 2024, channeling more than US$280 million in GEF grants and around US$2.2 billion in total investments towards upscaling agri-food system solutions. This session will launch the FSIP and discuss the challenges of promoting food systems transformation that prioritizes sustainability from farm to fork, produces agricultural commodities without deforestation or habitat conversion, revitalizes soils and degraded areas and adopts people-centered approaches to ensure benefits for the communities.
Soil Health for Food Security and Resilience
This event will explore the socio-economic, policy, and practical aspects of conserving and enhancing soil health for food security and resilience. It will bring together soil policy advocates, researchers, investors, businesses, government, and farming communities to discuss strategies for integrating soil health into national and international policies, financing mechanisms, and on-the-ground practices.
Other meetings
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Negotiation Team
Indigenous Peoples Caucus
Meeting of the Regional Implementation for Central and Eastern Europe (Annex V)
CSO Consultations
Meeting of the Regional Implementation Annex for Africa (Annex I)
Meeting of the Regional Implementation Annex for Asia (Annex II)
Meeting of the Regional Implementation Annex for Latin America and the Caribbean (Annex III)
Youth Conference
Private Meeting
Riyadh Action Agenda: Land Restoration Dialogue
GEF- Private Meeting
Group of Arab States Coordination Meeting
Youth Conference
Youth Conference Consultation
UNEP- Private Meeting
Side events
105 - International Organization for Migration Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa (IOM RO MENA) Leveraging data and research for resilience building and addressing drought as an adverse driver that compel people to leave
184 - Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) Greening Degraded Landscapes Developing Sustainable Afforestation Strategies in Degraded Croplands
213 - ICARDA Integrated Desert Farming Systems (IDFS): Transformative Food Systems for Resilient Livelihoods
265 - Save Soil Movement – ISHA Foundation Rejuvenating degraded lands and preventing degradation of agricultural lands to meet a 50 per cent reduction in degraded lands by 2040
59 - Ministry of Environment. Desertification, drought, and dust storms in Iraq
97 - Asociación Certified Climate Actions (Rural Loop) Connecting science to practice - engaging rural communities to take actions against desertification
163 - International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Sustainable management of soils in drylands from a soil health perspective
169 - IUCN “Agriculture and Conservation”, IUCN Flagship Report presentation and discussion
182 - CropLife Africa Middle East Transforming Food Systems and Building Resilience
212 - The National Center for Vegetation Cover Combating Desertification (NCVC) Harnessing the potential of agroforestry for food security, livelihoods, and land restoration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
273 - Switzerland SDC Bridging the 3 Rio Conventions through Agroecology
284 - FAO Sustaining food and nutrition security in dryland landscapes in the context of agriculture and forest linkages
299 - WBCSD Agroforestry for sustainable land restoration
307 - World Economic Forum 100 Million Farmers: Unlocking Co-Benefits for Soil, Water, and Farmer Resilience
94 - Agropolis International/ French Scientific Committee on Desertification (CSFD) Avoid, reduce, restore degraded land the journey to sustainable food system: a focus on local scales
158 - Madagascar. Resilient Landscapes: Practical Solutions for Food Security and Reversing Desertification
297 - Sustainable Development Solutions Network Nature Restoration Labs: The launch of an education-led
375 - STAP/GEF Why drought resilience matters for the global environment
383 - SE from FAO Agrifood system transformation: Experiences from Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme in Saudi Arabia
41 - University for International Cooperation Soil life at the center of regeneration
48 - Commission Climat pour la Région du Sahel (CCRS) Nature-based solutions as innovative and adapted responses for strengthening the resilience of Sahelian communities and their livelihoods: status report, issues and challenges
Arid Land Research Center, International Platform for Dryland Research and Education, Tottori University Accelerating the Cycle of Evidence-Based SLM Technologies and Approaches: From Collection to Dissemination" (Co-hosted by Tottori University, WOCAT, a
128 - Consórcio Nordeste/Northeast Consortium. Reecatingar: financial tools to protect our biome
303 - Eco Agriculture Partners/ Cooperation Is Green Infrastructure: Landscapes Offer an Effective Response to Desertification and Long-Term Drought
306 - GIZ. Sustainable Land Management and Agroecology in Synergy: Evidence, Good Practices and Lessons Learnt for Scaling
316 - Ministry of Social Development of Brazil Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty: the role of drylands in promoting food security
333 - The Nature Conservancy The Role of Soil Health in Promoting Resilient, Multifunctional Landscapes under Climate Change
60 - IRD. Agroecology: A game changer to address aridity issues
Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition - Climate Change Adaptation Directorate Ecoregional Approach for Mapping Land Degradation and estimating SDG indicator 15.3.1 in Highly Diverse Countries
101 - AUDA-NEPAD The Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health: Accelerating action on soil health in Africa for resilient landscapes and food security
15 - CEO & Head, Agribusiness and Innovation Platform , ICRISAT Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture for Healthier Communities
22 - Global Ever Greening Alliance The launch of a strategic harmonizing approach to land restoration and fighting climate change
53 - Department of Watershed Revitalization, Access to Water and Multiple Use of Water Resources Freshwater ecosystems and the desertification agenda
95 - UNEP, Regional Office for West Asia: Strengthening Environmental Dimension of Food Systems Amid Polycrises in the Arab Region
Summary of meetings
Committee of the Whole
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
2nd meeting
Policy frameworks and thematic issues [item 4]
The Committee resumed its consideration of the item.
- Migration
The Committee had before it documents ICCD/COP(16)/18 and ICCD/COP(16)/22.
An introductory statement was made by the representative of the UNCCD secretariat.
Statements were made by the representatives of Algeria, the European Union and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
A statement was made by the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations .
The representative of the UNCCD secretariat responded to the comments made from the floor.
A statement was made by a representative of civil society.
- Land tenure
An introductory statement was made by the representative of the UNCCD secretariat.
Statements were made by the representatives of Ghana (on behalf of the Group of African States), the United States of America, Madagascar, the European Union, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Botswana, Australia, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Malaysia, Mexico, Chad, Guyana and China.
Statements were made by the representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and UN-Habitat, as well as by a representative of civil society.
The representative of the UNCCD secretariat responded to the comments made from the floor.
The Committee decided that further discussions on these items in their totality be taken up in COW Contact group 2.
2018–2030 Strategic Framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification [item 2]
(c) Follow-up on the midterm evaluation of the 2018–2030 Strategic Framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
The Committee began its consideration of the item.
An introductory statement was made by the Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG) Chair.
Statements were made by the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina (on behalf of Annex V countries), the European Union, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Bangladesh and Australia.
The IWG Chair responded to the comments made from the floor.
The Committee decided that further discussions on this item be taken up in COW Contact group 2, and in the CRIC contact group, where appropriate.
Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC)
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
3rd meeting
Securing of additional investments and relations with financial mechanisms [item 4]
Update on the Global support Programme in support of UNCCD reporting [item 4 (b)]
Panellists of the following entities made presentations: the Global Mechanism of UNCCD, the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Statements were made by the representatives of Argentina, Panama, the European Union, Eritrea, Ecuador, Lesotho, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Kazakhstan.
A representative of a civil society organization made a statement on behalf of civil society organizations.
The representative of the Global Environment Facility responded to the questions and comments posed.
(a) Report by the Global Environment Facility on the financing of programmes and projects concerning desertification/land degradation and drought.
The representative of the Global Environment Facility introduced the relevant document.
Statements were made by the representatives of the European Union, the Syrian Arab Republic and China.
A representative of a civil society organization made a statement on behalf of civil society organizations.
The Committee concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 4 and its sub-items (a) and (b).
The meeting was adjourned.
Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) and Committee on Science and Technology (CST)
Wednesday, 4 December
2nd meeting (CRIC and CST)
Joint meeting
Opening of the joint meeting of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention and of the Committee on Science and Technology
The CRIC Chair called the first joint meeting to order.
Improving the procedures for communication of information as well as the quality and formats of reports to be submitted to the Conference of the Parties [item 3]
Information on modalities for reporting on the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework [item 4 (c)]
The Committees began their consideration of the respective agenda items.
A representative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) secretariat made a statement and introduced the relevant reports.
A statement was made by the Co-Chair of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface.
Presentations were made by the following panellists: Mr. Neil Sims, Earth Observation specialist of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Co-Chair of the GEO Land Degradation Neutrality Initiative and lead author of the Good Practice Guidance for SDG Indicator 15.3.1; Ms. Lucy Barker of the United Kingdom Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and lead author of the Good Practice Guidance for National Reporting on Strategic Objective 3; and Mr. Ward Anseeuw, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The CST Chair delivered a statement on behalf of the Bureaux of both Committees.
The Committees established a Joint Contact Group on matters that related to both Committees and appointed the co-facilitators .
Statements were made by the representatives of Kazakhstan, the European Union, Lebanon, the United States of America, Argentina, Algeria, China, Lesotho, the Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Uganda and Mexico, as well as by the representatives of the European Space Agency, the Partnership Initiative on Sustainable Land Management, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and two representatives of civil society organizations.
The panellists responded to the questions and comments posed.
The Committees concluded the consideration of agenda of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention [item 3] and agenda of the Committee on Science and Technology [item 4 (c)]
The meeting was adjourned.
Conference of Parties
3 December
5th meeting
Formal Statements
The Chair opened the meeting.
Statements were made by the following representatives: India, Kenya, Bangladesh, Mali, Saint Kitts and Nevis, France, Lesotho, Gabon, Azerbaijan, the Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Djibouti, the Bahamas, Qatar, Portugal, Spain, the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Republic of Tanzania, Brazil Australia, Algeria, Suriname, Armenia, Egypt, Canada, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Nepal, the United States of America, Seychelles, Iraq, Barbados, Mongolia, Cameroon, Guinea, Hungary and the Dominican Republic.
Statements were also made by representatives of the following intergovernmental organizations: International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN), CGIAR, Cop Trust and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).
The following representatives of the United Nations system made statements: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
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.
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.
Funding for eligible participants
The Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for eligible participants will be distributed from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please ensure you collect your allowance during these hours at the DSA room, which is located in Area C.
Information for Journalists
Journalists are invited to attend Day 4 of COP16, which focuses on how resilient crops and healthy soils can drive global food security and sustainable development. The day will spotlight innovative strategies and global action to advance sustainable land management through agri-food system transformation.
Key Events
Wrapping up a COP year: The Role of Agrifood Systems Across the Three Rio Conventions
When and where: 8:00–8:45 in MET-33
World Soil Day Celebration
When and where: 10:30–11:30 in MET-33
High-Level Interactive Dialogue on Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Agri-Food Systems
When and where: 13:00–15:00 in MET-33
World Soil Day Press Conference and Daily Briefing
When and where: 12:30-13:00 in MET-17
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)
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).
Prince Talal International Prize Ceremony 2024
The ceremony of Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development will be held at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on December 5th, 2024. Participation of COP delegates is by invitation only.
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).
