BRICS Leaders Call for Urgent Action on Land Degradation Ahead of UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh

BRICS leaders call for increased financial resources and stronger partnerships to address land degradation, desertification, and drought. (SPA)
BRICS leaders call for increased financial resources and stronger partnerships to address land degradation, desertification, and drought. (SPA)
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BRICS Leaders Call for Urgent Action on Land Degradation Ahead of UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh

BRICS leaders call for increased financial resources and stronger partnerships to address land degradation, desertification, and drought. (SPA)
BRICS leaders call for increased financial resources and stronger partnerships to address land degradation, desertification, and drought. (SPA)

BRICS leaders called for increased financial resources and stronger partnerships to address land degradation, desertification, and drought ahead of a major UN environment conference in Saudi Arabia in December.

In a joint statement, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates emphasized that these environmental challenges "are posing serious threats to the well-being and livelihoods of people and the environment."

While acknowledging ongoing efforts in sustainable land management, they stressed the need for "integrated policies" to tackle these interconnected issues.

The statement comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh from December 2 to 13, amid growing global concern over land degradation that already affects 40% of the planet and impacts 3.2 billion people, according to UNCCD data.

"Saudi Arabia welcomes the BRICS leaders' statement on the critical issue of land degradation as it reflects the increasing urgency to slow and ultimately reverse the trend of degrading land worldwide," said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, deputy minister for environment at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and advisor to the COP16 Presidency.

He added: "At COP16 in Riyadh, we will work to forge new partnerships that can accelerate land restoration and drought resilience efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions. Land degradation, drought, and desertification impact almost every corner of the planet, exacerbating forced migration and worsening global food and water insecurity. It is imperative that the international community addresses the root causes of these issues at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh."

The conference is expected to be the largest UNCCD COP to date and will feature the first-ever Green Zone, creating a dedicated platform for collaboration and innovation, aiming to increase the role of the private sector in land restoration.

It comes as the UNCCD targets the restoration of 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030. According to the UNCCD, every dollar invested in land restoration can yield up to $30 in economic returns.



Saudi Arabia’s GAMI Participates in Paris Airshow 2025 to Boost Global Partnerships

GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)
GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s GAMI Participates in Paris Airshow 2025 to Boost Global Partnerships

GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)
GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) launched on Monday its participation at the International Paris Airshow 2025, held at Paris-Le Bourget Airport until June 22.

The opening day was attended by GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, and Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad Al-Ruwaily, along with numerous officials, experts, and experts from around the world.

Al-Ohali emphasized that GAMI’s participation in the airshow aligns with its efforts to strengthen international partnerships, attract high-value investments, and empower national talent.

These efforts contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, including the localization of over 50% of military spending, he added.

Such international engagements underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing global influence and highlight the significant progress made in developing investor-friendly policies, regulations, and an industrial environment that supports the sector’s growth both domestically and globally, he stressed.

GAMI's involvement in the airshow builds on the Kingdom's ongoing successes at international forums and underlines its commitment to developing a competitive defense and security industrial sector.

The sector aims to support the national economy and achieve sustainable security by building international partnerships that serve mutual interests.