The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) is participating in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), taking place December 2 to 13 in Riyadh.
The UNCCD COP16 in the Saudi capital is the largest-ever meeting of UNCCD's 197 parties and the first to take place in the Middle East.
At the conference, SDRPY will organize a session Wednesday titled "Bridging the Gap: Aligning Yemen National Strategy, Donor Support, and Local Action in Anti-Desertification Efforts".
The session will showcase comprehensive strategies to combat desertification in Yemen and the role of international donors in supporting Yemen's national strategy. Discussions will emphasize the importance of integrated water security and the need for supporting desertification efforts. The session will encourage community engagement in these endeavors, coordination among multiple stakeholders, and effective partnerships for knowledge exchange in implementing pertinent joint initiatives.
The session will be attended by Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and SDRPY General Supervisor Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, Yemeni Minister of Water and Environment Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Administrator Achim Steiner.
UN-Habitat Saudi Arabia team leader Ayman Elhefnawi, UNICEF's representative to the Gulf Area Eltayeb Adam, and Selah Foundation for Development executive director Ali Bashmakh also will be in attendance.
On Monday, December 11, SDRPY will take part in a discussion session organized by the UNDP, spotlighting the program’s projects and initiatives completed in the water and agriculture sectors to enhance sustainable water sources and promote sustainable food production.
SDRPY’s participation in UNCCD COP16 also includes an interactive pavilion showcasing the program's key projects and initiatives as well as efforts in supporting sustainable development in Yemen.