Politics
35 decisions by COP16 to reduce land degradation and drought
The Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, who is also the President of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Engineer
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to continuing its efforts to preserve ecosystems, enhance international cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation, and address drought, during its presidency of the current session.
This came during a speech at the conclusion of the conference, which issued more than 35 resolutions on key topics including: reducing land degradation and drought, migration, dust and sandstorms, promoting the role of science, research and innovation, activating the role of women, youth, civil society and indigenous people to confront environmental challenges, in addition to approving new topics that will be included in the activities of the agreement such as rangelands and sustainable agricultural food systems.
The President of COP16 expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their unwavering support in enabling the Kingdom to host this important international conference. He noted that this reflects their commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development, and their dedication to addressing environmental challenges, particularly desertification, land degradation, and drought. He highlighted the Kingdom's remarkable success in hosting this session, which saw the active participation of over 85,000 delegates, including representatives from international organizations, the private sector, civil society institutions, research centers, and indigenous communities. More than 900 events were organized during the conference in the Blue and Green Zones, making this session a historic turning point in mobilizing international momentum to advance the Convention's objectives and mitigate land degradation and the effects of drought.
Al-Fadhli explained that the Kingdom launched three important environmental initiatives during the conference: the Early Warning Initiative for Dust and Sandstorms, the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience, aimed at supporting 80 countries most vulnerable to drought, and the Business for Earth Initiative, which aims to enhance the role of the private sector worldwide in land conservation efforts, reducing land degradation, and adopting sustainable management practices. Several other initiatives were also launched by governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other participants at the conference. Al-Fadhli commended the regional donors' announcement of $12 billion in funding to support projects mitigating land degradation and the effects of drought, and called on the private sector and international financing institutions to take similar steps so that we can all address the global challenges affecting the environment, water security, and food security for communities across all continents.
The Chairman of the Conference expressed the Kingdom's hope that the outcomes of this session of the 16th Conference of the Parties would contribute to a qualitative shift that would enhance efforts to preserve lands and reduce their degradation, in addition to building capacities to confront drought and contribute to the well-being of communities around the world. He emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to joint international action with all concerned parties to confront environmental challenges, find innovative and sustainable solutions to land degradation, desertification and drought, invest in increasing green spaces, cooperate on transferring modern experiences and technologies, adopt initiatives and programs to enhance partnerships between governments, the private sector, local communities, financing institutions and non-governmental organizations, and agree on mechanisms that enhance joint international action.
In closing, Minister Al-Fadhli thanked the Secretary-General of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and all Secretariat staff for their significant efforts in ensuring the success of this session. He also commended the efforts of all States Parties, international and regional organizations, civil society organizations, and the private sector for their active participation in the conference and its events. He further expressed his gratitude to all national entities, the private sector, and civil society organizations for their vital role in the conference's success, and acknowledged the substantial efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture personnel from the moment the Kingdom announced its hosting of this global event until its conclusion.
Politics
US-Iranian talks in Geneva under Omani auspices
Switzerland announces that Geneva will host US-Iranian talks next week, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, amid Swiss support for efforts to facilitate dialogue and reduce escalation.
Swiss authorities officially announced on Saturday that Geneva will host a new and crucial round of negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled for next week. This significant diplomatic step is being hosted and organized by the Sultanate of Oman, which continues its pivotal role in bridging the gap between the two sides, following up on the first round hosted by Muscat earlier this month.
In a statement reflecting Switzerland's longstanding commitment to neutrality, a spokesperson for the Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that the country welcomes and fully supports these talks, emphasizing that Switzerland stands ready at any time to exert every diplomatic and logistical effort to facilitate constructive dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The spokesperson clarified that the talks will be hosted by Oman on Swiss soil, reflecting the high level of coordination among international mediators to ensure a conducive negotiating environment.
The Omani and Swiss roles: Mediation diplomacy
These talks are of particular importance given the parties involved in facilitating them. On the one hand, the Sultanate of Oman plays a historic role as a trusted "post office" and impartial mediator between the West and Iran, where quiet Omani diplomacy has previously succeeded in defusing numerous crises and paving the way for major agreements, including the 2015 nuclear deal. Moving the talks to Geneva, hosted by Oman, underscores Muscat's continued leadership in regional de-escalation efforts.
On the other hand, Switzerland has a long history of representing US interests in Iran since the two countries severed diplomatic relations in 1980. Geneva is a global center for multilateral diplomacy, lending an air of seriousness and impartiality to this round of negotiations. Combining Omani expertise in mediation with Switzerland's neutral umbrella provides a solid foundation for attempting to break the deadlock on the outstanding issues.
The context of tensions and the importance of dialogue
These talks come at a sensitive time, as the Middle East and the world face complex geopolitical challenges. While the precise agenda has not been disclosed, observers anticipate that the discussions will address thorny issues related to de-escalation in the region, the fate of economic sanctions, and the long-standing nuclear issue, which has been a major point of contention. The resumption of dialogue, even indirectly or through intermediaries, is a positive sign of both sides' desire to avoid open confrontation and to seek diplomatic solutions to the accumulated crises.
Politics
Faisal bin Farhan engages in dialogue with leaders of Munich Youth 2026 regarding international crises
The Saudi Foreign Minister participated in a dialogue session with Munich Youth Leaders as part of the Munich Security Conference 2026, reviewing the Kingdom’s positions on crises and the importance of constructive dialogue.
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s active diplomatic efforts on the international stage, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated today (Saturday) in a strategic dialogue session with the “Munich Young Leaders” group, jointly organized by the Körber Foundation and the Munich Security Conference, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026.
The Kingdom's vision towards global challenges
The dialogue session highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm stances on various current regional and international crises. During the discussion, His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs reviewed the Saudi vision, which prioritizes dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, emphasizing the importance of intensifying "sincere and constructive dialogue" as the only way to overcome the common challenges facing the international community, from geopolitical tensions to issues of global security and stability.
The importance of the Munich Security Conference and the Kingdom's leading role
The Kingdom's participation in the Munich Security Conference is of paramount strategic importance, as this conference is the world's foremost platform for discussing international security policies. Prince Faisal bin Farhan's participation underscores Riyadh's pivotal role as a peacemaker and a reliable partner in maintaining regional and international security and stability. Through its ambitious Vision 2030, the Kingdom is working to build bridges of communication with all stakeholders, affirming that economic development and prosperity cannot be achieved in isolation from security and political stability.
Investing in future leaders
The dialogue with the “Munich Youth Leaders” is a significant forward-looking step, as this program brings together a select group of young minds and future decision-makers from around the world. The Foreign Minister’s keenness to meet with this group reflects the Kingdom’s belief in the importance of engaging rising generations in formulating innovative solutions to complex crises and conveying the Saudi perspective transparently to future leaders in global political and security circles.
High-level diplomatic presence
The session witnessed a notable Saudi diplomatic presence, with the participation of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid bin Saud Al Kabeer, Director General of the General Directorate of Policy Planning, reflecting the depth of the political discourse presented. Also present was Mr. Nawaf bin Khalid Al-Issa, a member of the Munich Youth Leaders 2026, highlighting the active Saudi presence not only at the leadership level but also among qualified young professionals in international forums.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its balanced diplomatic approach, seeking through these international platforms to enhance multilateral cooperation and advance efforts to de-escalate tensions in various hotspots around the world.
Politics
The Foreign Minister highlights the Kingdom's positions at the Munich Conference 2026
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a session with the leaders of Munich Youth 2026, reviewing the Kingdom's positions on crises and the importance of constructive dialogue to enhance international security.
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated today (Saturday) in a strategic dialogue session with the “Munich Young Leaders” group, which was organized by the Körber Foundation in cooperation with the Munich Security Conference, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in its 2026 edition.
The session featured extensive and in-depth discussions on the most prominent challenges facing the international system today. His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs reviewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm and unwavering positions on various regional and international crises. During his remarks, His Highness emphasized the Saudi vision, which prioritizes sincere, transparent, and constructive dialogue as a cornerstone for overcoming the complex geopolitical obstacles facing the world, stressing that diplomatic solutions remain the optimal choice for ensuring global security and stability.
This participation is of particular importance given the Munich Security Conference's status as the world's leading forum for security policy, where decision-makers, heads of state, and ministers convene to discuss current and future threats. The Kingdom's active participation in this international forum reflects its pivotal and growing role as a regional and international force for peace, consistently striving to bridge divides and support efforts to defuse crises in the Middle East and the world.
In a related context, the Kingdom's engagement with the "Munich Youth Leaders" underscores Saudi diplomacy's belief in the importance of investing in future generations of global decision-makers. This platform provides a unique opportunity to explain the Saudi perspective on complex issues and to highlight the Kingdom's initiatives based on the principles of good neighborliness, respect for national sovereignty, and collective action to address shared challenges such as climate change, energy security, and combating terrorism.
This important meeting was attended by His Highness the Minister, the Director General of the General Administration for Policy Planning, His Highness Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid bin Saud Al Kabeer, and a member of the Munich Youth Leaders for 2026, Professor Nawaf bin Khalid Al-Issa, reflecting the intensive and qualitative Saudi presence in all the conference activities to ensure that the Kingdom’s voice and its ambitious vision for the future are conveyed.
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