Welcome to RRI’s UNCCD COP16 agenda! The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 2–13, 2024. The UNCCD COP16 is more than a critical milestone—it is a critical opportunity to raise global ambition and accelerate actions for land and drought resilience through a people-centered approach.

COP16 is poised to be a game-changer, marking a renewed global commitment to accelerate investment and action to restore land and boost drought resilience for the benefit of people and the planet.

Here is a list of RRI’s planned events and speaking engagements at UNCCD COP16. More events will be added as they become available, so check back often!

All times and locations are local to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (GMT+3). Events are listed chronologically. 

December 4, 2024

Indigenous Knowledge and Innovations: Pastoralist Resilience to Desertification in Africa’s Rangelands

When: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: UNCCD COP Resilience Pavillion

What: As the traditional guardians and custodians of Africa’s rangelands, pastoralist communities are on the frontlines of combatting desertification and land degradation. In this session, pastoralists from across the African continent share how Indigenous knowledge and innovative adaptations shape sustainable land management practices, and discuss challenges and opportunities for strengthening pastoralists’ resilience to desertification.

Check back soon for a full list of speakers.