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GWP@ UNCCD COP16

UNCCD COP16 is set to be the largest conference in the Convention's history, with high expectations for impactful outcomes, particularly in addressing drought. Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2-13 December 2024, this COP will bring together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to accelerate solutions for land restoration, resilience to drought, and sustainable land management under the theme “Our Land. Our Future.”

At UNCCD COP16, GWP will play an active role through several events, highlighting its commitment to combating drought and building resilience to climate impacts.  

A key focus will be the Communities of Learning and Practice on Drought Management, which GWP is helping the UNCCD establish and coordinate. The CLPs are peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing and co-learning initiative aiming to strengthen the capacities of UNCCD National Focal Points (NFPs), Science and Technology Correspondents (STCs), and other key stakeholders involved in drought management and efforts to combat desertification. 

Another key feature of GWP’s participation will be showcasing the work of the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP), a joint initiative with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which will be especially prominent on Resilience Day. As a co-organizer of this day, alongside the World Bank, WMO’s collaboration with GWP underscores their shared goal of strengthening global resilience to droughts and water scarcity.  

GWP’s activities

GWP’s planned events at COP16 reflect a multifaceted approach to drought management and resilience-building. Through these sessions, GWP aims to strengthen collaborative efforts and highlight the essential role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing resilience to land degradation and drought. These efforts are crucial to achieving COP16’s goals of enhancing drought preparedness, building resilient communities, and promoting sustainable land management practices. 

Sessions (Arabia Standard Time)

4 DECEMBER

  • Financing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus to combat desertification, drought and land degradation
    At 11:00-12:30, location: ICESCO's Pavilion, Blue Zone
    GWP Speaker: Alex Simalabwi, Regional Coordinator of GWP Southern Africa

9 DECEMBER

  • Introducing The Drought Tracker, a pilot crowdsourcing tool for monitoring drought impacts and conditions in Africa
    At 18:00-19:30, location: MET05
    GWP speaker: Gergana Majercakova, Senior Learning Specialist

10 DECEMBER

  • Resilience through Early Warning Systems 
    11:00-12:30, location: TBD
    GWP speaker: Valentin Aich, Senior Water & Climate Specialist

  • Building Resilience to Hydro-Climatic Events
    At 11:00-13:00, location:UNCCD COP16 Green Zone Pavilion 4 
    GWP speakers: Gergana Majercakova, Senior Learning Specialist, Laurent-Charles Tremblay-Lévesque, IWRM & Knowledge Management Specialist, Valentin Aich, Senior Water & Climate Specialist
  • Catalyzing Drought Resilience: The Integrated Drought Management Programme
    At 15:30-17:00. Location: TBD
    GWP speaker: Valentin Aich, Senior Water & Climate Specialist
  • Outcomes of Drought Resilience +10 Conference:  From Geneva to Riyadh and Beyond
    At 18:00-19:30, location: TBD
    GWP speaker: Valentin Aich, Senior Water & Climate Specialist

11 DECEMBER 

  • Launch of the Communities of Learning and Practice on Drought Management
    At 9:00-10:30, location: MET-04 
    GWP speakers: Gergana Majercakova, Senior Learning Specialist, Laurent-Charles Tremblay-Lévesque, IWRM & Knowledge Management Specialist

12 DECEMBER

  • Early Warning Systems: Small Holder Farmer in IGAD Region
    At 11:00 to 12:00, location: TBD
    GWP speakers: Gergana Majercakova, Senior Learning Specialist, Laurent-Charles Tremblay-Lévesque, IWRM & Knowledge Management Specialist, Valentin Aich, Senior Water & Climate Specialist