The Presidency of the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, has underscored the imperative of integrating national drought preparedness measures with international efforts. Emphasizing the need for proactive strategies, the Presidency advocates for partnerships that bolster readiness, empower communities, and expand early warning systems, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing this global challenge.
Highlighting the urgency and the importance of embedding drought preparedness within national plans of affected countries, the Presidency launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership (RGDRP) during COP16 in December 2024 in Riyadh, a partnership aiming to shift the global approach to drought from delayed responses to early prevention and preparedness. . Transitioning from reactive responses to proactive preparedness can significantly mitigate the devastating impacts of drought, which currently affect over 1.8 billion people worldwide. This necessitates enhanced international collaboration and the establishment of effective partnerships to tackle this pressing issue.
These remarks were delivered by Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, during the international workshop on the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, held in Cologne, Germany, on June 23–24.
The workshop facilitated discussions among representatives from various countries, international organizations, and financial institutions on the governance of the partnership, mechanisms for technical support, and priorities for beneficiary countries in the upcoming phase. Participants emphasized the necessity of developing a practical model that enhances countries' capacities to adapt to the impacts of drought through multilateral cooperation.
The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership (RGDRP) stands as a pioneering international initiative in drought adaptation. It focuses on addressing one of the most significant challenges threatening food security, exacerbating migration crises, and impacting societal stability. The partnership exemplifies the Kingdom's growing role in advancing international environmental efforts and offering innovative, sustainable solutions to climate-related risks.