Conference of the Parties Plenary - UNCCD COP16

Very good morning to all of you. Please be seated, ladies and gentlemen, so that we start our plenary. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Excellencies, distinguished participants, I call to order the eighth 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 consideration of agenda item 1D, entitled Credentials of Delegations. In accordance with rules 19 and 20 of the Rules of Procedure, The COP Bureau examined the credentials of representatives, alternate representatives, and advisors and approved them. The final report of the Bureau to the Conference is contained in document ICCD/COP.16/23 entitled, "Credentials of Delegations, Final Report of the Bureau to the Conference of the Parties." The Bureau agreed to submit document ICCD/COP.16/23 and draft decision ICCD/COP.16/L.11 for consideration by the Conference. Subsequently, credentials were received from several countries, which will be reflected in the report of COP16. May I take it that the Conference wishes to approve the report and adopt the draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP.16/L.11? I hear no objection. It is so decided. I invite the Conference to consider agenda item 2A, entitled Report of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention and its recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. I now invite the Chair of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention, Mr. Mirko Knezovic of Montenegro, to present the report of the Committee. Mr. Knezovic, you have the floor.

Which is filled with interesting interactive debates and plenary level and sometimes passionate discussion in the contact group. It not was always easy, but with a common understanding that we cannot proceed in isolation, we found common grounds and way forward together. We are so grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for helping us, hosting us, and providing this wonderful facility to us so that we could conclude our work here in this beautiful city of Riyadh. We felt very much welcome here. A big thank you also goes to NCCD Secretariat, for facilitating and millions of meetings and supporting the negotiation process in very professional matter. Delegation from all around the world, you engaged in the debates and made possible for us to find solution to some of the pending problems. You identified, inter alia, during the intercessional session, the CRIC that was held in Samarkand I would like to thank you for this engagement and passion, your willingness to compromise without which we may have not been able to conclude our work. So now we are at the end of this session, and I hope you will return to your homes fully charged to implement what was decided here in Riyadh. We have the obligation throughout our work here to improve living conditions of those people that are suffering from desertification, land degradation, and drought. And I believe we achieved it that we can continue our part up until we will meet again. Our next session will be in Panama. And I would not like to finish my speech without extending a big thanks to thank you to government of Panama for hosting 23rd session of this committee. I think we will all looking forward to visiting your wonderful country and continuing our discussion in this beautiful part of the world. Thank you for all your cooperation and your good spirit. Have safe travels home and see you in Panama next year.

I thank the Chair of the Committee for the review of the implementation of the Convention. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt the draft decisions contained in documents ICCD/CRIC XXII/L1-L8. I hear no objection. It is so decided. We have thus concluded action on the recommendations of the 22nd session of the CRIC. I would like to thank all delegations for their hard work and commitment in bringing the CRIC session to a successful conclusion. Are there any delegations wishing to make statements on the work of the CRIC at its 22nd, the Chair says 12th? I don't see any requests for taking the floor, and as such, the conference has concluded its consideration of item 2A. I invite the Conference to consider agenda item 2D, entitled the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology and its Recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. I now invite the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology, Mr. Jorge Luis Garcia Rodriguez of Mexico, to present the report of the Committee. Mr. Garcia Rodriguez, you have the floor.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I have the honor to present the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties, a summary of the outcomes and of the deliberations of the Committee on Science and Technology at its 16th session. I am pleased to inform you that the Committee successfully concluded its work in its last meeting on December 13, 2024, adopted the following draft decisions: Under agenda item 2, item resulting from the work programme of the Science Policy Interface for the triennium 2022-2024, and its sub-items a) to c), The committees adopted three draft decisions contained in ICCD/16/CST/L.1, L.3 and L.5. Under agenda item 3, review of the work conducted by the Science-Policy Interface, the committee adopted one draft decision containing document ICCD/16/SC COP 16/CCSD/L2. Under agenda item 4, interfacing science and policy and sharing knowledge, and its sub-items A and B, the committee adopted two draft decisions contained in document ICCD/COP.16/CST/L4 and L8. Under agenda item 5, innovation and technology in ecologically sustained agri-food systems, the Committee adopted one draft decision, containing document ICCD/COP16/CST/L.7. Under agenda item 6, Procedural matters, Programme of work for the seventeenth session of the Committee on Science and Technology, the Committee adopted one draft decision, contained in document ICCD/COP.16/CST/L.6. One draft decision on the items 4C of CST, information on modality for reporting of the UNCCD 2018 to 2023 strategic framework, agreed upon by the joint CST-CRIQ contact group contained in ICCD/CREAK/22/L.6 was adopted by the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention, or CREEK. Mr. President, I would like to inform the Conference that the Committee elected the following Vice-Chairs to its Bureau for the 17th session: Mr. Jean-David Lehoux of Congo, Mr. Shay Azdak of Indonesia, and Mrs. Michelle Alvarez of Belize. The Committee has postponed the election of the remaining members of the Bureau from the Group of Central and Eastern Europe to a later date. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the facilitator of the CST Contact Group, Mr. Joseph Noel of Grenada, as well as all delegations for the flexibility and the spirit of compromise that allow the committee to complete the work allocated to it. So, thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the chair of the Committee on Science and Technology. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt the draft decisions contained in documents ICCD/COP16/CST/L.1-L.8. I hear no objection. It is so decided. We have thus concluded action on the recommendations of the 16th session of the CST. I would like to thank the Chair of the CST, the co-facilitators and the secretariat and all the delegations for their continued work as we bring to a successful close this CST session. Are there any delegations wishing to make statements on the work of the CST at its 16th session? I don't see any requests for the floor. The conference has thus concluded its consideration of item 2D. Distinguished delegates, we have thus concluded our program of work for this meeting. Further information on the program for COP16 and related meetings is available on the conference website. Before adjourning, I will now give the floor to the representative of the Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, if he wishes to take the floor. The Secretariat tells me that there won't be any statement on behalf of the Executive Secretary. All right, I'd like to thank everybody The meeting is thus adjourned. Thank you very much for attending and for adopting the decisions of the CST and the CRIC. Meeting is adjourned.

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Let's start with the.

Good evening. To all. We are ready to start. The young. 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/L9 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/COP.16/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/COP.16/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/COP.16/L.14 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/COP16/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? Hear no objection, it is so decided. The consideration of the draft decision on a follow-up on policy frameworks and thematic issues, DROD, 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 COP16.2. 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 mean participation of young people in agri-food system policy making. Institutionalize youth 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 their 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 people 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.

Kaya, 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 people's 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. 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 is 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? 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 7C. 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.2 and 25/COP.10, the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology shall be elected and 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 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 1.3, 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 the 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 for the Implementation of the Convention at its 23rd and 24th sessions. May I take it that the Conference wishes to elect Ms. Philippine? 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. I congratulate Ms. Philippine Duta Yi on her election as Chair of the CRIC. 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 CAU related matters. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the facilitators of the contact groups, Mr. Balci Balchinluu Tsuntsan, Lhagvanchuuryn, it's very difficult, sorry, of Mongolia, and Mr. Asher Degankebe 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/COP.16/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 to 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 7.c, 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, expressive, considering our commitment, but also expressing the compromise to reach the result of this call. 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 CAO, 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. B 1 2 and three 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 l1 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.