UNDP will launch a new era of global cooperation on drought resilience by scaling up and accelerating land restoration. The 16th session (COP16) of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024. It aims to combat drought and desertification.

A delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in the round table at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Among the participants was B.S. Khabibullaev, Director of the Aral Sea International Innovation Center, who presented key initiatives in the field of sustainable land management and combating the effects of desertification in the Aral Sea region.

The main objective of the roundtable was to share knowledge and experiences among policymakers, experts and practitioners from different regions, as well as to strengthen dialogue and cooperation. The event also featured the launch of key resources for the implementation of the Peace Forest Initiative, such as the Operational Guide for its implementation, the Land, Peace and Security Nexus Report, and the prototype of the Environmental Dashboard.

In addition, the event will formally launch key resources for the implementation of the Peace Forest Initiative:
Operational Guide for the Initiative.
Land, Peace and Security Nexus Report.
Prototype of the Environmental Dashboard.

These tools are designed to guide the implementation of the Initiative, strengthen the link between land governance and peacebuilding efforts, and promote transparent and data-driven decision-making in resource management. The Peace Forest Initiative continues to bring together diverse stakeholders to create a global platform to address pressing contemporary issues and advance peace through responsible management of natural resources.