Leaders Asia, December 05, 2024 — In a landmark announcement during the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), Saudi Arabia introduced the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership Initiative. According to Leaders Asia sources, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and President of the conference, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, unveiled the initiative as a pivotal step in enhancing international collaboration to combat the escalating impacts of drought globally.
Speaking at the Main Committee Room of the conference, Eng. Alfadley underscored the pressing need for multilateral cooperation in addressing drought-related challenges, particularly in vulnerable regions. As per Leaders Asia sources, he announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would contribute $150 million over the next decade to support this initiative, reflecting its leadership in addressing both environmental and humanitarian issues through sustainable solutions.
Building on Saudi Arabia’s Environmental Legacy
The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership Initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability at national, regional, and global levels. The initiative builds on the successes of the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative, launched during the Kingdom’s G20 Presidency in 2020. Additionally, it complements the Global Water Organization established by Saudi Arabia to tackle water scarcity worldwide.
A Comprehensive Strategy for Resilience
The initiative emphasizes proactive preparedness by implementing robust strategies to mitigate the effects of drought. These include:
- Assessing drought risks and improving early warning systems.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and cultivating drought-resistant crops.
- Facilitating financing for advanced water infrastructure.
- Offering insurance solutions to support small-scale farmers.
Eng. Alfadley noted that these measures aim to bolster global resilience to drought, minimize its social, economic, and environmental impacts, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Call for Global Collaboration
Eng. Alfadley expressed gratitude to partners such as the UNCCD Secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Economic Forum for their support. He also called upon countries and organizations worldwide to join this ambitious initiative, fostering global capacity to address the growing threats posed by drought.
This initiative, according to Leaders Asia, represents Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and fostering global partnerships to tackle pressing global challenges. By focusing on proactive solutions, the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership Initiative sets a strong foundation for sustainable and equitable progress in drought-affected regions.
