Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From 2 to 13 December 2024, 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, aimed at addressing issues related to drought and desertification.

Uzbekistan has already hosted the 21st session (CRIC-21) of the Committee for the European Review of the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification from 13 to 17 November 2023. This session discussed strategic goals, including sustainable land management, the acceptability of gender equality, and support for women’s leadership in agriculture.

COP16, under the slogan "Our Land. Our Future," will bring together 197 parties, including 196 countries and the European Union, as well as experts and representatives from civil society.

The conference is expected to adopt measures on key issues, including:

- Accelerating the restoration of degraded lands by 2030.

- Strengthening resilience to droughts and dust storms.

- Restoring lands and increasing the production of natural food products.

- Ensuring equality in land governance and creating economic opportunities.

The event will also feature a summit where global leaders and entrepreneurs will seek solutions to the problems of desertification and climate change, with a focus on youth and gender issues.

Currently, about 40% of the world’s land is degraded, affecting more than 3.2 billion people. Since 2000, the incidence of drought has increased by 29%, and by 2050, two-thirds of the Earth’s population may face this issue. Active engagement of youth, especially in developing regions where 1 billion young people live, is essential for the restoration of 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030.