FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.



AlUla Conference Amplifies Emerging Economies’ Global Voice

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
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AlUla Conference Amplifies Emerging Economies’ Global Voice

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)

The “AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies” was held at a crucial time, as the world and the region face significant economic, technological, and geopolitical shifts.

From tariffs that will impact international trade to the resurgence of inflation concerns and the resulting delay in expected interest rate cuts, the strengthening dollar and its effects on emerging markets, to the growing geopolitical conflicts—these and other factors undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for emerging economies.

The conference, organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Saudi Ministry of Finance, “marks an important step towards creating a platform that amplifies the voices of emerging economies on the global stage, allowing them to express their views and needs," said Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan at the conclusion of the two-day event.

Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference is expected to have a significant impact on shaping future economic policies in emerging economies.

This was evident through in-depth discussions among finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, and leaders from both the public and private sectors in emerging economies, as well as international institutions.

The talks covered a range of topics, from economic growth and financial stability to sustainable development, inflation, debt, and proposed strategies to support growth in these markets.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the event underscores its prominent position and leadership role both regionally and globally. It also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting emerging economies and fostering cooperation among them.

Emerging economies undeniably play a key role in the global economy, driving 65% of global growth.
They continue to record strong growth rates, with the IMF projecting a 4.3% growth in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026, compared to a global economic growth of just 3.3% during the same period.

This translates into higher employment rates and increased consumer spending, positioning these economies as attractive destinations for investors seeking major opportunities.