“COP16”…Amna Al-Dahhak reviews the country’s vision in addressing the drought issue and enhancing global food and water security

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahhak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, heads the UAE delegation during the activities of the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. “COP16” It reviews the state’s vision and efforts aimed at addressing the drought issue, and ways to employ projects to enhance global food and water security in finding solutions to the challenges of land degradation..

The work of the Conference of the Parties began “COP16” In the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and will continue until December 13 under the slogan “Our Land… Our Future,” to discuss how to transform land degradation into regeneration. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is the global voice for land, where governments, businesses and civil society come together to discuss challenges and shape a sustainable future for land. During the UAE’s participation in the conference, Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahhak discussed ways to manage the global drought file during an event entitled “Ministerial Dialogue: From Geneva to Riyadh and beyond… Strengthening global and national policy tools to proactively manage drought.” Her Excellency stressed that, in light of the climate challenges facing the world, the drought issue constitutes a major challenge. Her Excellency said: “Effective drought management requires a combination of proactive planning, innovative approaches and cooperation in water management and distribution. Sustainable practices, such as water harvesting and adopting climate-smart agriculture, are critical to improving water use efficiency and enhancing resilience to drought.”“.

Her Excellency discussed the “National Strategy to Combat Desertification” and the “UAE Water Security Strategy 2036,” in addition to the UAE’s efforts to strengthen the global water security file through the “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative,” in addition to the UAE’s hosting of the next United Nations Water Conference in 2026, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal. This will provide an important opportunity to enhance efforts aimed at ensuring the availability of water and its sustainable management for all.

During a session entitled “Ministerial Dialogue on Financing: Launching public and private financing for land reform and enhancing resilience to drought,” Her Excellency Al-Dahhak stressed the importance of investing in sustainable land management and restoration as a key driver for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. She said: “Land restoration efforts – especially for agriculture and food systems – play a major role in climate change and environmental balance. We must work to transform them to ensure we achieve our climate goals. The importance of governments and the private sector working to expand the scope of investments in transforming food systems and agriculture, through Developing more policies, initiatives and facilities that allow supporting countries’ efforts to restore lands and achieve many food and environmental benefits“.

Her Excellency reviewed the state’s efforts in implementing projects aimed at strengthening land ecosystems, such as “sustainable grazing projects,” “the land degradation neutralization program,” “developing gene banks for local plants that contribute to combating desertification,” and “the forecasting and early warning program for sand and dust storms.” “, and two programs on “Green Belts” and “Urban Forest Management”, and other projects that the UAE is working to implement within the framework of integrated financing. Her Excellency Al-Dahhak stressed that through cooperation, the world will be able to Develop sustainable solutions for large-scale land protection and restoration by aligning financial support with environmental goals.

His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, delivered the United Arab Emirates’ speech during the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. (COP16). His Excellency stressed that land degradation and desertification are a major obstacle to the process of sustainable development and the world’s ability to withstand the challenges of climate change, which pushes towards cooperative action to stop land degradation in favor of developing sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring the enhancement of biodiversity..

His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi said: “The UAE is aware of the impacts that declining soil fertility, water scarcity, and increasing exposure to drought may have on the land’s resources, livelihoods, and the future. Especially through its launch of the “Declaration.” COP28 UAE on Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action,” which has so far been approved by 160 countries. His Excellency also touched on the national program “Plant the Emirates,” which was recently launched by the UAE and aims to stimulate agricultural development and enhance sustainable national food security in the Emirates, in addition to the “National Agricultural Center.” The aim is to empower local farmers with training programs and launch sustainable and climate-smart agriculture projects.

His Excellency stressed that these efforts contribute to achieving the maximum benefit from land reclamation and improving the management of natural resources and water more efficiently. He noted that ensuring the effectiveness of efforts to combat land degradation and desertification requires addressing key factors, including ensuring land rights, gender balance, and youth empowerment. He said, “The decisions we will take at this conference will have a profound impact on the future of our lands, our planet, and the legacy we will leave for future generations.”“.