The 16th session (COP16) of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will be held in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) from December 2 to 13, 2024. It is aimed at combating drought and desertification.

It should be noted that Uzbekistan hosted the 21st session (CRIC-21) of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (UNCCD) on November 13-17, 2023. The problems and possibilities of implementing strategic goals in the field of sustainable land management, increasing drought resistance, supporting women's leadership in sustainable agriculture, financing activities aimed at land degradation and their prevention, as well as countering forced migration related to climate change, are considered.

COP16, which will be held in Saudi Arabia under the slogan: "Our land. Our Future" will bring together 197 parties (196 countries and the European Union), experts, and representatives of civil society.

Decisions on the following issues are expected to be made during COP16:

— accelerating the restoration of degraded lands until 2030 and beyond;
— increased resistance to growing drought and dust storms;
— land restoration and increased production of natural food;
— Ensuring equality to ensure land rights and sustainable management;
— creation of new economic opportunities, including decent jobs for young people in land management.

During the event, a summit of leading states will be held, at which heads of state, entrepreneurs, and world leaders will seek solutions to the problems of desertification, land degradation, and drought at the global and regional levels. Attention will also be paid to youth issues, gender issues in the fight against various environmental problems, etc.

For information: Currently, about 40 percent of the world's land has been degraded, which directly affects 3.2 billion people. Since 2000, the level of drought has increased by 29 percent, and by 2050, 4/3 of the world's population may face drought. In addition, at least 100 million hectares of healthy and fertile land are lost annually. 85 percent of people suffering from drought live in developing countries.

If the situation continues in the same spirit, 1.5 billion hectares of land will need to be restored by 2030 to achieve a world free from degradation.

1,000,000,000 (one billion) young people live in developing regions that depend on land and natural resources. This means that in order to fulfill global commitments to restore the earth, it is necessary to involve young people.