ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to play an influential role at the upcoming United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16, with a thematic pavilion designed to showcase the nation’s sustainability heritage. The UAE’s participation will focus on critical discussions surrounding land regeneration, technology, food, water, and biodiversity. This involvement marks a continuation of the momentum built during COP29 in Baku.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE Pavilion at COP16 will offer an engaging experience under the theme ‘Our Land, Our Future.’ It will host over 20 dialogues aimed at sharing insights on achieving land degradation neutrality, enhancing drought resilience, developing sustainable agri-food systems, promoting inclusive land governance, and discussing financing mechanisms and climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has emphasized the UAE’s historical connection to i
ts land, highlighting how the nation’s arid environment has driven a culture of innovation.
In her statement, Dr. Al Dahak expressed the country’s commitment to regenerating ecosystems and accelerating actions to address land degradation while building global resilience. She outlined the UAE’s intention to share its expertise at COP16 to foster knowledge sharing and encourage regional and international collaboration. The UAE Pavilion, located in the Blue Zone, will illustrate the UAE’s sustainability journey and leadership in climate resilience.
Delegates visiting the UAE Pavilion will have the opportunity to explore the UAE’s expanding climate agenda. The pavilion will address important challenges across nature, food, and health, while promoting an inclusive approach to build momentum and opportunities for all. The program will feature expert speakers from various sectors, highlighting the UAE’s strategies to accelerate land regeneration by 2030, enhance drought resilience, and secure sustainable land mana
gement.
The UAE’s commitment to combating desertification is driven by its climate reality and arid environment. Public and private sector entities in the UAE are dedicated to advancing innovative solutions for sustainable land and water management and transforming food systems, which are crucial in addressing the challenges of desertification.