Japhet Lazarus Simon (MRICS, ACIArb)’s Post

🌍 Riyadh Action Agenda Gathers Steam at UNCCD COP16 Land governance took center stage at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during Governance Day, as discussions focused on addressing land degradation, drought, and desertification. The event highlighted the importance of local, regional, and international efforts, with a strong call for greater cooperation, inclusive finance, and enhanced governance to tackle these pressing issues. The Riyadh Action Agenda, launched by Saudi Arabia, aims to mobilize actors from all sectors to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, driving progress on land restoration and drought resilience. Local and regional governments are being empowered to lead the charge, with initiatives like the Global Drought Resilience Partnership gaining momentum. Key takeaways include: ● Strengthening urban-rural linkages ● Prioritizing investments in drought-resilient infrastructure ● Ensuring direct access for subnational governments, especially in the Global South Together, these efforts are paving the way for impactful, sustainable solutions to safeguard our planet’s land resources. #LandRestoration #COP16 #GCIC

Some of the highlights from my live TV interview with قناة الإخبارية | Al-Ekhbariya Channel during UNCCD COP-16 at Riyadh: Watch the interview here: https://lnkd.in/dZZdYHPU - Land degradation is not the responsibility of a single entity or sector. It is a shared effort involving the public sector, private sector, third sector, and local communities. - Efforts should follow a clear order: avoidance first, mitigation second, and rehabilitation/restoration as a last resort. - Saudi Arabia has become a decision maker in setting and advancing environmental agendas at regional and global levels Strategy& Middle East PwC Middle East #GenerationRestoration #Riyadh #UNCCD #COP16 #COP16Riyadh

Today I attend UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh KSA. At this Conference I saw government organizations, the private sector, civil society, and global stakeholders engaged in accelerating several sustainable development programs like sustainable cities & communities, sustainable real estates, land management, water and soil conservative etc. COP16 is a critical moment for governments and non-state actors to slow and reverse land degradation. Action at the Riyadh COP is the only way to turn the tide on the loss of fertile land globally.

Sustainability Leaders 2024 Collective action surrounding climate change in the Middle East has gained significant momentum following COP28, as regional leaders, businesses, and communities increasingly prioritize sustainability. This growing commitment to climate action reflects a broader shift toward addressing environmental challenges through collective responsibility and regional cooperation. 10 Government Leaders Sultan Al Jaber - Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; COP28 President, U.A.E. Special Envoy for Climate Change, U.A.E. Adel Al-Jubeir - Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy, Saudi Arabia Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak - Minister of Climate Change and Environment, U.A.E. Abdulrahman AlFadley - Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia Razan Al Mubarak - Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), U.A.E. Yasmine Fouad - Minister of Environment, Egypt Abdullah Al Amri - Chairman of the Environment Authority, Oman Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi - Minister of State for Foreign Trade, U.A.E. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie - Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar Muawieh Radaideh - Minister of Environment, Jordan Source: https://lnkd.in/dzvBWakT

The opening day of COP16 in Riyadh marked a significant milestone in the global fight against drought, desertification, and land degradation. Under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” Saudi Arabia has pledged to intensify efforts in collaboration with the international community. Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment and the newly elected COP16 president, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges through ambitious initiatives like Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. These aim to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land and ensure over 50% of the energy mix comes from renewable sources by 2030. Notable highlights include: ✅ Establishing a National Environment Strategy and specialized environmental centers. ✅ Strengthening global cooperation to tackle climate and environmental crises. ✅ Mobilizing resources and innovative solutions for land restoration. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the urgency: “Land sustains us, and we are destroying it. Action cannot wait.” The collaborative efforts at COP16 echo the global call to action, showcasing the potential for nations to unite for a sustainable future. #COP16 #SaudiGreenInitiative #Vision2030

Join us on the Road to Riyadh! The UN Global Compact Network Saudi Arabia is hosting an informative session for UNGC participants as we head toward the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. This webinar, titled "The Road to Riyadh: UNCCD COP16," is scheduled for September 4th, 2024, from 15:00 - 16:00 CET. We encourage all members and stakeholders of the UN Global Compact Network in Jordan to register and be part of this critical conversation. Together, we can contribute to restoring 1.5 billion hectares of land and support global efforts to combat desertification. Let's unite for a sustainable future! * #UNGlobalCompact #COP16 #Decarbonization #Sustainability #Jordan #SaudiArabia #UNGC #ClimateAction #Desertification Global Compact Network Saudi Arabia

🌍 Exciting Announcement 🌍 I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be speaking at the UNCCD COP16 conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦 This is a landmark event, marking the first major UN conference hosted by Saudi Arabia and the first COP held in the MENA region. 🌵 The region is at the heart of the challenges posed by desertification, land degradation, and drought, making this conference even more impactful. 🌿💧 I’ll be participating in an inspiring panel session on Green Innovation for Urban Resilience, where we’ll be exploring how nature-based solutions 🌱 and technological innovations 💡 can come together to create resilient urban environments and promote sustainable land use. 🏙️🌍 Joining me on this incredible panel are: 🔹 Manuel Rocamora, Senior Advisor, Carbonless KSA 🔹 Ana Hudson Ana Hudson, Head of Sustainability, SEVEN 🔹 Mustafa Ahmed Al-Hakeem, Energy & Power Expert 🔹 John Seed, Group Director, Strategy & Development, Dar Al Riyadh Group As Program Director at Noon Real Estate, I’ll be sharing insights on the role of sustainable urban development and the importance of innovative solutions in tackling land degradation challenges. 🏡✨ It’s an honor to contribute to such a global conversation, and I’m excited to exchange ideas with experts from around the world! 🌍🔗 Follow along for updates and let’s work together to build a more sustainable future! 🌱🔋 #UNCCD #COP16 #Sustainability #UrbanResilience #GreenInnovation #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #LandRestoration #MENA #Innovation #EnvironmentalLeadership #SaudiArabia #GlobalChange #FutureofCities

A vital and timely conversation at the #ALCForum! The Arab region faces one of the world’s highest rates of desertification and land degradation, with over 70% of arid and semi-arid lands under threat. 🌍 Dr. Osama Faqeeha’s emphasis on unified strategies across the Arab region couldn’t be more critical—collaborative efforts will be the cornerstone of sustainable solutions. Leveraging regional expertise and resources will not only combat desertification but also enhance climate resilience and ensure the preservation of our natural resources for future generations. 🌱 #COP16 #OurLandOurFuture #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment COP16Riyadh

As #COP16 begins in Riyadh, the world faces an urgent challenge: 40% of global land is degraded, costing over 10% of annual GDP and threatening livelihoods for billions. Renewable energy holds the potential to drive solutions—powering irrigation systems, enhancing water security, and restoring degraded ecosystems. 🌱 To realize this potential, scaling energy finance is essential to mobilize the investments needed for sustainable development and resilience for the 2.6 billion people directly impacted by land degradation. We will be on the ground to champion this agenda. ⚡️ Join us for our key event co-hosted with United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), International Chamber of Commerce - Saudi Arabia (ICC-SA) and desert technologies: 📅 Powering the Planet: Innovative Energy Finance for Sustainable Land and Water Solutions 📍 UNDP Pavilion, Blue Zone | 3 Dec 2024 ⏰ 14:00 - 15:00 P.M By aligning renewable energy investments with land restoration goals, we can drive resilience and opportunity for communities most affected. UNDP and United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) stand as trusted partners, catalyzing solutions that scale energy finance to align with broader development and environmental strategies. We look forward to working with partners and stakeholders to drive the energy investments the world urgently needs. 🌍 Pradeep Kurukulasuriya | Khaled Sharbatly | Abdallah Dardari PhD | Marcos Neto | Riad Meddeb | UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub | International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) | International Energy Agency (IEA) | UNDP Saudi Arabia | The World Bank | Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) | Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) | The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) #COP16Riyadh #EnergyTransition #EnergyForDevelopment #UNCCDCOP16 #OurLandOurFuture #UNited4Land

📢 Join Us at COP29 Azerbaijan – Omani Pavilion! Explore “Navigating Article 6: Host Country and Project Developer Perspectives”, hosted by the Omani Pavilion and moderated by Ahmad Qadry. 🔎 Why Attend? • This session will explore recent developments under Article 6 and the evolving international carbon market landscape. With several countries advancing their Article 6 policies, global standards aligning with market requirements, and project developers actively issuing ITMOs, the discussion will highlight new insights, opportunities, and challenges in the field. • As the host, Oman aims to share its unique approach to Article 6, the rationale behind its framework, and updates on its key upcoming initiatives. Our distinguished panel of experts, representing perspectives from standards bodies, project development, and government, will dive into the opportunities, expectations, and obstacles in this exciting domain. 🗓 Date: Thursday, 14th November 🕒 Time: 1:30 PM 📍 Location: Omani Pavilion, COP29 #COP29 #Article6 #Sustainability #CarbonMarkets #ClimateAction #Oman #PanelDiscussion #EnvironmentalPolicy #ITMOs