Sustainability Innovation Week (SIW)
The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024. This landmark event, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, marked the first time a COP was hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region, underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
A significant highlight of COP16 was the establishment of the Green Zone at the Science Oasis, an innovative space designed to engage the public and stakeholders in discussions on sustainability and environmental protection. The Green Zone featured a variety of artistic, recreational, cultural, and educational activities, attracting over 200,000 visitors throughout the conference.
The Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), organized a series of events over three days within the Green Zone. These sessions showcased 30 accepted papers on innovative topics central to food security and sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Esteemed researchers and dedicated minds from universities worldwide presented their findings, contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable agricultural practices.
SAFTA's participation in COP16 exemplified its commitment to fostering a sustainable future through innovation and collaboration. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and the public, SAFTA played a pivotal role in advancing discussions on sustainable agriculture, aligning with the broader goals of COP16 to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought on a global scale.