emirates7 - Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasized the interconnectedness of global environmental challenges and the need for holistic solutions during her keynote address at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Delivering remarks at the opening of Land Day, Al Mubarak highlighted that land restoration is central to combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and fostering resilient communities.
"Land is not merely a resource; it is the cornerstone of our resilience and a platform for delivering transformative solutions toward a sustainable future," she stated. "COP16 represents a pivotal moment, marked by the launch of the first Action Agenda, showcasing the global commitment to transition from dialogue to tangible action."
The COP16 Action Agenda is a significant initiative uniting stakeholders from governments, the private sector, civil society, and indigenous communities to restore degraded lands, build resilience, and coordinate efforts across the three Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate, and desertification.
Al Mubarak also stressed the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in addressing these intertwined crises. She explained, "Nature-based Solutions offer a strategic pathway to combat land degradation, boost carbon sequestration, and conserve biodiversity while simultaneously enhancing livelihoods."
She further acknowledged the IUCN’s leadership in establishing global standards for NbS, ensuring these approaches are inclusive, measurable, and effective.
During COP16, Al Mubarak participated in several high-level discussions. At the One Water Summit, she emphasized the importance of ecosystems and land restoration in safeguarding water resources. Speaking at the Gender Caucus, she highlighted the essential contributions of women to sustainable land management and restoration, advocating for gender-equitable policies and strengthened land rights for women. Additionally, she moderated a panel on enhancing synergies among the Rio Conventions, focusing on actionable strategies for integrated implementation of global objectives.
Reflecting on the conference’s broader significance, Al Mubarak remarked, "COP16 is not an endpoint but a bridge to a sustainable future. From Riyadh to Belém, let us harness this momentum to deepen our collective commitment, accelerate progress, and align efforts. Together, we can restore our lands, safeguard our planet, and ensure a sustainable legacy for generations to come."
Delivering remarks at the opening of Land Day, Al Mubarak highlighted that land restoration is central to combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and fostering resilient communities.
"Land is not merely a resource; it is the cornerstone of our resilience and a platform for delivering transformative solutions toward a sustainable future," she stated. "COP16 represents a pivotal moment, marked by the launch of the first Action Agenda, showcasing the global commitment to transition from dialogue to tangible action."
The COP16 Action Agenda is a significant initiative uniting stakeholders from governments, the private sector, civil society, and indigenous communities to restore degraded lands, build resilience, and coordinate efforts across the three Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate, and desertification.
Al Mubarak also stressed the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in addressing these intertwined crises. She explained, "Nature-based Solutions offer a strategic pathway to combat land degradation, boost carbon sequestration, and conserve biodiversity while simultaneously enhancing livelihoods."
She further acknowledged the IUCN’s leadership in establishing global standards for NbS, ensuring these approaches are inclusive, measurable, and effective.
During COP16, Al Mubarak participated in several high-level discussions. At the One Water Summit, she emphasized the importance of ecosystems and land restoration in safeguarding water resources. Speaking at the Gender Caucus, she highlighted the essential contributions of women to sustainable land management and restoration, advocating for gender-equitable policies and strengthened land rights for women. Additionally, she moderated a panel on enhancing synergies among the Rio Conventions, focusing on actionable strategies for integrated implementation of global objectives.
Reflecting on the conference’s broader significance, Al Mubarak remarked, "COP16 is not an endpoint but a bridge to a sustainable future. From Riyadh to Belém, let us harness this momentum to deepen our collective commitment, accelerate progress, and align efforts. Together, we can restore our lands, safeguard our planet, and ensure a sustainable legacy for generations to come."