Committee of the Whole Plenary - UNCCD COP16

Please. So, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I call to order the fifth meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification at its 16th session. Distinguished delegates, the Committee will now proceed to take action on the draft proposal before it. Allow me, on this stage, to inform you of how I intend to proceed with our work in this regard. I would first take up all the proposals of draft decisions for adoption by agenda item. After all the decisions are adopted, I will open the floor for statements for regional and interest groups. May I take it that the Committee agrees with the arrangement that I have just outlined? I hear no objection. It is so decided. In light of the time and the late conclusion of the negotiations, the proposals are available in advance versions in English only. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of item 3, promotion and strengthening of relationships with other relevant conventions and international organizations, institutions, and agency in order to take action on a draft decision of the same title contained in document ICCD/COP16/L.20. May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in the document ICCD/COP.16/L.20 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of item 3. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of item 4, entitled "Policy frameworks and thematic issues", in order to take action on six draft decisions. Draft decision ICCD/COP16/L.9 is entitled the positive role that measures taken under the Convention can play to address desertification, land degradation and drought as one of the drivers that causes migrations. May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.9 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft decision ICCD/COP16/L.12 is entitled "Follow-up on policy frameworks and thematic issues: land tenure". May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP16/L.12 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption. I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

Draft decision ICCD/COP.16/L.13 is entitled "Follow-up on policy frameworks and thematic issues". sand and dust storms. May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.13 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

Draft decision ICCD/COP16/L14 is entitled Gender Caucus Report. May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.14 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

Draft decision ICCD/COP16/L15 is entitled "Grassland and rangelands". May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decisions contained in document ICCD/COP16/L15. and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft decision ICCD/COP.16/L.18 is entitled "A follow-up on policy frameworks and thematic issues: gender". May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.18 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

The consideration of the draft decision on a follow-up on policy frameworks and thematic issues, DROHT, will take place at a later time. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of item 6, entitled Programme and Budget. and its sub-items A, B, and C, in order to take action on one draft decision. The first draft decision, entitled Comprehensive Multi-Year Work Plan for the Convention 2025-2028, and the two-year costed work programme for the Convention 2025-2026, is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.10. May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.10 and recommend it to the Conference of Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The consideration of the draft decision entitled Programme and Budget for the BMU 2025-2026 will take place at a later time. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of item 7A, entitled "Participation and involvement of civil society organizations in meetings and processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification" in order to take action on four draft decisions. The first draft decision, entitled declaration of civil society organization attending the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.4. I now give the floor to a representative of civil society to make a statement in connection with this draft decision.

Distinguished delegates, civil society organizations stand united in urging ambitious and inclusive action to tackle desertification, land degradation, and drought. The meaningful inclusion of all rights holders, women, youth, indigenous people, local communities, is essential to shaping policies that effectively advance sustainable land management and restoration. Today, we have three demands. First, we call on parties to develop and implement policies and governance frameworks that actively end support for harmful activities such as land-degrading agriculture, extractive industries and deforestation. promote agroecological and agroforestry approaches, support locally led initiatives and traditional knowledge on sustainable land use, conservation and restoration, promote environmental education focused on youth and children, support peace efforts to end conflicts across the world which hinder attempts to tackle DLDD. Those policies are central to building drought resilience, restoring ecosystems, ensuring sustainable use and fostering healthy food systems. Second, provide accessible funding through innovative mechanisms tailored to the needs of rights holders and grassroots organizations, which empower locally led action, knowledge exchange and capacity building. Funding should be made available without political impediments or relying on intermediaries. Finally, we call on parties to strengthen CSO participation for more meaningful engagement including allowing CSOs as silent observers in contact groups, providing financial support for translation services and capacity building, among others. Critical times require critical actions. As we look towards COP17, let us carry a collective resolve to protect the land that sustain us, honor the wisdom and rights of its stewards, and forge a path that secures dignity and opportunity for all. Thank you.

I thank the representative of civil society. May I take May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.4 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

The second draft decision, entitled Declaration of the Youth Forum, is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.5. I now give the floor to a representative of the Youth Caucus to make a statement in connection with this draft decision.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished guests. Today, as COP16 comes to a close, we stand united in our call for action to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought. As a highlight from my engagement here through organizing as the UNCCD Youth Caucus, allow me to highlight the success of the fourth Youth Forum in shaping the Declaration on Youth Engagement as youth worldwide face barriers to participating fully in governance, policy making, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Our shared legacy is at risk without action. Together we can create a future where land degradation is a thing of the past, as land thrives as a foundation for life. Youth are not just hope for the future, we are driving change today. With that in mind, we would like to call upon the parties as follows, upon decisions for COP16 to: Advance youth-focused policies by promoting equitable land rights, particularly for marginalized groups like young women, children, refugees, indigenous communities, while fostering youth collaboration across the Rio Conventions to amplify advocacy. Ensure gender inclusion by guaranteeing land tenure for women to promote equitable land access and meaningful participation of young people in agri-food system policymaking. institutionalizes participation in land governance and decision making processes, as well as in developing and implementing DLDD policies and accountability frameworks by supporting the implementation of the UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy. Provide accessible and flexible funding for youth-led initiatives while prioritizing finance support for youth, women, and children, particularly in the Global South and conflict-affected areas to advance ecosystems restoration aligned with goals of peace, security, and resilience. Invest in green jobs while improving existing ones by ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions in sectors like agriculture and forestry. Provide training for youth on the science policy interface to improve their understanding and application of sustainable land management and resilience building strategies. And also create inclusive spaces where young people can share best practices while fostering international and intergenerational collaboration to share and replicate effective DLD solutions in integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific research. In closing, the intentionality of the Convention to centre youth engagement was fully felt for us when the Parties requested the secretariat for a youth engagement strategy, and since then, we the young people have worked very closely with various stakeholders to respond. The UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy is not just a document, it's a roadmap, a call to action, and a testament to the belief that young people are not only stakeholders, but catalysts for transformation in combating desertification, land degradation, and drought, as it seeks to bridge this gap by embedding youth voices and actions into the very fabric of the conventions, policies, and programs. We, the youth of the world, stand united for land, calling upon the global community to listen, engage, and act. This is our legacy, our future. Let us protect it together. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Youth Caucus. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.5 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption. I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

The third draft decision, entitled "Indigenous Peoples", is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.6. I now give the floor to a representative of indigenous people to make a statement in connection with this draft decision.

My name is Oliver Testa and I'm reading this statement on behalf of indigenous peoples. We indigenous peoples are grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UNCCD Secretariat for this historic gathering of Indigenous peoples from the seven socio-cultural regions. For the first time after 31 years of this convention, on December 7th, we hosted a high-level event celebrating People's Day with two panels and presented our declaration, Sacred Lands. Today, history has been made. With the support of all of the parties of this convention, the CSO and the Secretariat, an Indigenous Peoples Caucus and a Local Communities Caucus have been established, a shared legacy that we can all be proud of. As Indigenous peoples and rights holders, we are committed to preserving our common home, our Mother Earth, something we can now champion through our new caucus. We called on you to support us and you have answered our call. We thank you. But there is still further work to do to tackle the growing threat of land degradation and Indigenous peoples are here to help overcome this global challenge. So as we stated in our declaration, we urge the parties to take additional action, including to ensure and promote full, effective respect for our rights. including the rights to land tenure, governance and management of our territories as set forth under the UNDRIP. We call for our Indigenous peoples' knowledge, innovation, sciences, technologies and values to be ethically and equitably incorporated into the implementation and monitoring of UNCCD with respect to free, prior and informed consent. Our knowledge should be deemed equal to Western sciences and technologies. We urge you to provide us with a permanent seat on the Committee on Science and Technology. Finally, we call for the establishment of direct funding mechanisms that are equitable, accessible, non-discriminatory, flexible and responsive to our priorities without political impediments and ensure a seat for Indigenous peoples on the Riyadh Action Agenda and Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnerships Fund. We, Indigenous peoples, stand ready to work constructively with the parties, the secretariat and COP presidency to ensure that our solutions contribute to the well-being of humanity and our planet. We leave this space with the hope that our voices be heard and included as essential pillars for building a sustainable future. Boda wan.

I thank the representative of Indigenous Peoples. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.6 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

The fourth draft decision entitled "Participation and involvement of civil society organizations in meetings and processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification" contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.17. May I take it the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.17 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item 7. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of item 7. participation and involvement of the private sector in meetings and the processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Business Engagement Strategy in order to take action on two draft decisions. The first draft decision, entitled Declaration of Business for Land Forum, is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.8. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.8 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection.

It is so decided.

The second draft decision entitled Participation and Involvement of the Private Sectors in Meetings and Processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.16. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.16 and recommend it to the Conference of Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item 7. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration on item 7, programme of work for the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties in order to take action on the draft decision of the same title, contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.19. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.19 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption. I hear no objection. It is so decided.

The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item 7. Distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, I shall now suspend the meeting in order to allow for the finalization of the remaining tasks before the Committee The Committee will resume later this evening to complete its work. The COP Plenary will also convene shortly after this meeting for considering the decision just adopted. Please remain seated. Further information on the programme for COP16 is available on the conference website and the UNCCD app. The meeting is suspended.

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. In the name of Allah, the most gracious, merciful. Please be seated so that we start the meeting. Your Excellencies, dear attendees, I call to order the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification at its 16th session. I now invite the Conference to resume its consideration of agenda item ICI, entitled Election of Vice Presidents. You may recall that the Conference of the Party in its second session, held on the 2nd of December, elected Vice President Presidents of its 16th session. Delegations are also reminded that the Conference was informed that the election of the remaining Vice-Presidents will take place at a later date once nominations were received. I have been informed that there is a general agreement amongst the parties to elect Mr. Turul Feyzli of Azerbaijan from the Central and Eastern European States as Vice-President of the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth session. May I take that the Conference wishes to elect Mr. Toghrul Faisli of Azerbaijan as Vice-President of the Conference at its sixteenth session. I hear no objection. It is so decided. I congratulate the Vice President on his election. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the conference to consider agenda item 1C2, election of the chair of the Committee on Science and Technology pursuant to rule 22 and 33 of the rules of procedure as amended by decisions 20/COP.12 2.2 and 25/COP10, the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology shall be elected in the final meeting of the Conference of the Parties. I've been informed that Mr. Jeff Herrick of the United States has been nominated for the position of the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology and its 17th session. May I take May I take it that the conference wishes to elect Mr. Jeff Herrick of the United States of America as chair of the Committee on Science and Technology at its 17th session? I hear no objection. It is so decided. I wish to congratulate Mr. Jeff Herrick on his election as chair of the CST. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Conference to consider agenda item 1C.3, election of the Chair of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention. In accordance with paragraph 8 of the annex to decision 13/COP.13, The Chair of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention is elected at a final meeting of the session of the CRIC held in conjunction with the sessions of the COP. I have been informed that Ms. Philippine Dutailly of France has been nominated to the position of the Chair of the Committee of the Review of the implementation of the Convention at its 23rd and 24th sessions. May I take it that the Conference wishes to elect Ms. Philippine Duthoit of France as Chair of the Committee of the Review of the Implementation of the Convention at its 23rd and 24th Sessions? I hear no objection. It is so decided. ohana said I congratulate miss Philippine due to a on her election as chair of the creek distinguished delegates I now invite the conference to consider agenda item 1f organization of work including the sessions of the subsidiary bodies As you may recall, the COP established the Committee of the Whole and allocated items on its agenda for further consideration. I shall now give the floor to Ms. Anna Luisa of Italy, Chair of the Committee of the Whole, to report to the Conference on the work of the Committee of the Whole. Ms. Anna Luisa, you have the floor.

Micros. Okay. Thank you. So, Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I have the honor to present to the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties a summary of this stage of the outcomes of the deliberation of the Committee of the Whole. At its first meeting on Monday 2 December, the Committee established two contact groups, one on programme and budget, and the second contact group on all other cow-related matters. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the facilitators of the contact groups, Mr. Balchinluu Tsuntsan, Lhagvasuren, it's very difficult, sorry, of Mongolia, and Mr. Asher Nguembah of Ghana for their dedication and hard work in guiding the discussion in these two contact groups. Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to inform you that the Committee adopted 15 draft decisions at its fifth meeting. The meeting was suspended and the remaining three proposals will be taken up as soon as the texts are finalised. Allow me now to provide the Conference with an overview of the draft decisions adopted by the Committee. Under item 2C, entitled "Follow-up on the mid-term evaluation of the 2018-2030 Strategic Framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification", the Committee is still considering one draft decision. Under item 3, entitled promotion and strengthening of relationships with other relevant conventions and international organizations, institutions and agencies, the Committee adopted one draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP16/L.20. Under item 4, entitled Policy frameworks and thematic issues, including new emerging issues, grassland and resilience, the Committee adopted six draft decisions contained in documents ICCD/COP16/L.9, L.12, L.15 and L.18. One draft decision is still under consideration. Under item 6, entitled Programme and budget and its sub-items a) to c), the Committee adopted one draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.10. One draft decision is still under consideration. Under item 7A, entitled "Participation and involvement of civil society organizations in meetings and processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification", the Committee adopted four draft decisions, contained in documents ICCD/COP16/L4 to L6 and L17. Under item 7B, entitled Participation and Involvement of the Private Sector in Meetings and Processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Business Engagement Strategy, the Committee adopted two draft decisions contained in documents ICCD/COP.16/L.8 and L.16. Under item 7C, entitled Programme of work for the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties, the Committee adopted one draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.19. I hereby submit the 15 draft decisions to the Conference of the Parties at its 16th session for adoption. The remaining three draft decisions will also be before the COP plenary as soon as finalized. And let me thanks all of you for this fantastic adventure of two weeks together discussing and having a lot of interesting conversation and exchange of you. Thanks, really thanks to everybody. And also for the flexibility, the expressive, considering our commitment, but also expressing the compromise to reach the result of this Council. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the Chair of the Committee of the Whole. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt the following draft proposals: ICCD, COP 16, L4 to L6, and from L8 to L10, and from L12 to L20. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Ladies and gentlemen, thus we have finalized the procedures of finalizing the conclusions of the proposals of the CAU, and we hope that the pending issues will be settled as soon as possible. I call upon the Conference to turn to agenda item 5, special segment, and its sub-items A, 1, 2, and 3, and B, 1, 2, and 3. In connection with this agenda item, the Conference has before it two draft decisions. The first draft decision, entitled COP 16 political declaration is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.1. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.1? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The second draft decision entitled Special Segment is contained in document ICCD/COP.16. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.3? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Ladies and gentlemen, dear delegates, the session will be suspended now while the remaining work is finalized. The plenary of the COP. will be resumed at a later point in this evening. Information will be posted on the website of COP16 and the webpage of the UNCCD as well as its application. Thank you very much. Session is suspended.

Play all songs of the Kapil Sharma Show.

Distinguished delegates, please take your seats. The CAU plenary will begin shortly. Thank you.

Good night, not good evening. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we start this meeting. Please take your seat. Excellencies and distinguished delegates, the fifth meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification at its 16th session is resumed. Distinguished delegates, The Committee will now continue to take action on the draft proposal before it. I wish to recall that we would first take up the remaining proposal of draft decision for adoption by agenda item. In light of the late hour and the lack of interpretation services, I propose that we proceed without hearing statements after adoption. Also, in light of the time and the late conclusion of the negotiation, the proposals are available in advanced versions in English only. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 2C, entitled, Follow-up on the Mid-term Evaluation of the 2018-2030 Strategic Framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, in order to take action on a draft decision entitled, enhancing the implementation of the Convention and its 2018-2030 strategic framework and contained in document ICCD/COP16/L.21. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP16/L.21. and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption. I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item 2 and item 2 as a whole. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of item 4, entitled "Policy frameworks and thematic issues", in order to take action on draft decision ICCD/COP16/L.22 entitled "Follow-up on policy frameworks and thematic issues: Drought". May I take that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.22 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of item 4. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of item 6A, entitled: Programme and Budget for the Biennium 2025-2026, in order to take action on draft decision ICCD/COP16/L.23, entitled Programme and Budget for the Biennium 2025-26. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.23 and recommend it to the Conference of the Parties for its adoption? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item 6 and of item 6 as a whole. Distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, with that, the Committee has concluded its consideration of all the items allocated by the COP for discussion and finalization. The Conference of the Parties will shortly consider and take action on the remaining decisions recommended by the Committee of the Whole. We have completed our programme of work for the Committee of the Whole. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all delegations and the facilitators of the Concta group. contact group 1, Mr. Baltsukhishan Lavarussen of Mongolia; and contact group 2, Mr. Asher Nkwebi of Ghana, for their support to the work of the Committee. I would also like to thank the Secretariat for its assistance. And the meeting is adjourned.

Test, test, test, Simone. Test, test.

Shall we start? Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, all praise. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah, assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah, assalamualaikum, assalamualaikum, assalamualaikum, assalamualaikoum, assalamualaikoum, assalamualaikoum.

Agenda item 1, organization of work, including the sessions of the subsidiary bodies. The Conference now will consider the three remaining draft decisions which have just been finalized by the Committee of the Whole. and recommended to the Conference for adoption. I thank you all parties. I thank all parties for the constructive engagement and flexibility in finalizing the work of the Committee of the Whole. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt the following draft proposal, ICCD/2021/101, COV-16 L21 to L23. I hear no objection. It's so, you decided. We have thus concluded the action of the recommendation of the Committee of the Whole. I now invite the Conference to turn to the agenda item 8, report on the session. May I take that -- may I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt the draft report as 16th session contained on the document ICCD, CAP 16, L7, and authorize the rapporteur to finalize the report after the session with the support of the secretariat. We hear no objection. It's so decided. May I take it that the conference wishes to adopt the draft resolution entitled "Expression of Gratitude to the Government and People of Saudi Arabia" contained in document ICCD.CAP.16.L.2. We hear no objection. It's so decided. I now invite the Executive Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Theau, to deliver you the statement.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends. As we close this historic COP16, I'm filled with immense gratitude and deep reflection. This COP is not just the conclusion of a meeting. For me, It is the conclusion of a deeply personal journey. Allow me to transport you to the arid landscapes of my childhood for a moment, where drought was not just an occasional episode, but a constant challenge woven into the daily lives of our communities. I remember the resilience of women striving to make the land yield against all odds. the ingenuity of farmers working with nature to survive, and the deep connection we had with our environment. It is from these experiences of resilience that my deep-seated conviction for land restoration emerged, a belief that guided me throughout my professional life. My work with you has been shaped by this bridge between personal conviction and professional pledge between local interventions in my home community and global impact. Mr. President, allow me to first extend my heartfelt thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, as well as its people, for its exceptional clairvoyance in hosting this COP. Thank you for the unwavering commitment to elevating the global land restoration and drought resilience agenda. COP16 has been a COP like no other in the 30 years life of the UNCCD, by far the largest, the most inclusive and the most complex conference. And I would like, and I will, and I would add the most beautiful and efficient facility. First, we have elevated the land and drought agenda beyond sector-specific discussions, establishing it as a cornerstone of global efforts to address interconnected challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, migration, and global security. While parties need more time to agree on the best way forward as to how to address the critical issue of drought, I am filled with hope with the launching of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, a landmark initiative to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. We all welcome the pledges made in that regard by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the 10 members of the Arab Coordination Group amounting to $12.15 billion. We also leave COP16 with a robust ministerial political declaration. It is a powerful testament to our shared ambition and determination, aligned with the United Nations pillars and advancing progress towards sustainable development goals. The 39 important decisions that were adopted by this COP will serve as a guidance not only to all governments in the world, but also to the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities. Second, this COP has precisely been about people, farmers, pastoralists, indigenous women and youth are at the heart of our efforts to create a more equitable and resilient future. Their voices have guided our work and inspired our collective action. Third, women's rights and secure land tenure has been firmly recognized as central pillars of our work. ensuring that those most impacted by land degradation and drought are further associated with our decision-making processes. To the parties, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve and work alongside you over the past six years. Your commitment to addressing desertification, land degradation and drought issues have given the space and the authorizing environment to operate. To the entire UNCCD team who worked tirelessly to deliver this COP, thank you for your extraordinary professionalism, passion, and belief in the mission of UNCCD. Delivering this COP was nothing short of a moonshot, a bold and ambitious effort that required exceptional dedication and teamwork. Witnessing your determination, creativity, and commitment throughout this journey has been profoundly inspiring. Your contributions have shaped me and this moment. Their impact will resonate far beyond the perimeter of this scope, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. I also would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the invisible hands who to me are very visible, but hence including our incredible volunteers, those working tirelessly in the pavilions across this incredible site. My deep appreciation to UN Security officers, to our interpreters, logisticians, editors and translators, and to all service providers who allowed us to operate so efficiently. Mr. President, as I conclude, My thoughts go to the most vulnerable communities. I believe that this COP was not just another UN meeting. It was a call to action. It was a space where discussions and policies laid the groundwork for real, tangible change. But the true measure of our success will not be defined by what we agreed here. but rather by what we did with it. As we leave this COP, the real work begins. With political will, the solutions are within our grasp. The actions we took today will shape not only the future of our planet, but also the lives, livelihoods, and opportunities of those who we know land is the only asset there is. Mr. President, Excellency Minister Fadli, at the risk of offending your modesty, allow me to express from the bottom of my heart my personal appreciation to you. You never failed to listen attentively and to respond to my multiple requests and those of my colleagues. I would also like to thank your team for the excellent collaboration and the strong bonds we have built we have built up with them, starting with Dr. Usama, who spared no effort to ensure the success of this COP, and to all the Saudi teams who have shown us that united and determined, we can move mountains. I could not be more humbled by what we have achieved together. Thank you.

In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, and all praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessing be upon His Messenger. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, heads of the members and delegation, honored guests, may peace, mercy, and blessing from Allah to be on you. It's my pleasure to extend a renewed welcome to all of you at the conclusion of the 16th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. On this occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister. May Allah preserve them for their for their unlimited support in hosting this significant international conference in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Honored guests, this conference witnessed the participation of approximately 75,000 attendees who exchanged views, experiences through more than 600 events held in the blue and green zones. During the conference, the Kingdom launched several initiatives, including early warning initiative for sand and dust storms, the Riyadh Global Partnership to Enhance Resilience Against Drought in 80 of the most drought-prone countries, and the Business for Land Initiative aimed to enhancing private sector participation worldwide in land preservation, combating land degradation, and adopting sustainable land management practices to contribute in achieving the convention of the objectives. Government, private sector entities, and organization also launched numerous initiatives during the conference in this context. I would like to comment the announcement by the Arab Coordination Group of allocating $12 billion to support projects aimed at reducing land degradation and improving drought preparedness. Additionally, nearly 30 decisions were adopted on critical topics, including migration, sand and dust storms, enhancing the role of science, research, and innovation, empowering women to address environmental challenges, and introducing new topics to the agenda, such as rangelands and environmentally sustainable agri-food system. Honored guests, the Kingdom's hosting of this important conference is a continuation of its commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development, reaffirming its ongoing dedication to the collaboration with all parties to preserve ecosystem, enhance international cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation, and address drought. We hope that the outcomes of this session will make a transformative step that strengthen global efforts to preserve land, mitigate degradation, build capacities to combat drought, and contribute to the welfare of societies worldwide. Over the next three years, during the presidency of this conference, the Kingdom will continue its effort to ensure joint international actions. by all relevant parties to tackle environmental challenges, develop innovative solution for land degradation, desertification, and drought, invest in expanding green areas, innovate sustainable solution, share experiences and modern technologies, and adopt initiatives and programs to foster partnership between governments and the private sector, local communities, financial institutions, and non-governmental organization. This includes agreeing and the building tools that enhance joint international efforts. In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and all staff members for their secretariat for their efforts and to ensuring the succession of the session. My thanks also go to all parties to the convention, international and regional organizations, civil society organization and private sector research centers and everyone who contributed to the transformative steps in the history of the convention and its distinction. I would like also to thank all members of the government agencies and the private sector and the civil society organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for active role in making this conference successful. My special thanks to my colleagues in the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for their continuous and ongoing efforts since the announcement of the Kingdom's hosting this 11. I pray to Allah Almighty to bless our efforts and guide us toward what is good to achieve sustainable development and protect our environment for the future generation. May peace, mercy, and blessing of all of you.

I hereby declare closed the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.