The Banking Executive Magazine - November 2024

COP 16 in Riyadh COP 16 IN RIYADH A NEW OUTLOOK AND A WATER FOCUS INTRODUCTION The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) took place in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 Decem- ber 2024. The event was part of the United Nations Convention to Com- bat Desertification (UNCCD) and aimed to address global challenges like land degradation, drought, and desertification. COP 16 was notable for being the largest meeting in the history of the UNCCD and the first to be held in the Middle East. The con- ference brought together representa- tives from 197 countries to collaborate on solutions for rehabili- tating degraded land and building re- silience against drought. COP 16 was a game-changer, mark- ing a renewed global commitment to accelerate investment and action to restore land and boost drought re- silience. This article overviews COP 16. The overview covers the agenda, key par- ticipants, the water focus, challenges faced, the impact, climate diplomacy at COP 16, and the technology focus. The article concludes with COPS future outlook. The future of COPs holds promise for driving meaningful and transformative ac- tion on climate change. With contin- ued ambition, collaboration, and innovation, these conferences will play a crucial role in shaping a sus- tainable and resilient future. COP 16 AT A GLANCE COP 16 key topics included sustain- able land management, artificial in- telligence, and the social and economic impacts of land degrada- the BANKING EXECUTIVE 8 ISSUE 190 NOVEMBER 2024 BY DR SOHA MAAD