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UNESCO's Contribution to COP16 in Riyadh: Tackling Global Environmental Challenges and Building Resilience
As a global leader in education, science, and culture, UNESCO actively participated in COP16, contributing to key discussions and organizing side events. These efforts centered on sustainable and integrated water management, groundwater resilience, scientific collaboration, and enhancing climate resilience, underscoring UNESCO’s dedication to advancing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
On December 8, 2024, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, together with the UNESCO-Global Network for Water Museums and the Ministry for Environment, Water, and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, organized a session on “Ancient Hydro-Technologies (AHTs) for far-sighted water management and ecological transition in arid regions”. The event showcased the Global Network of Water Museums as an innovative initiative to promote water sustainability and cultural heritage conservation. The session highlighted the network’s role in preserving and promoting traditional water management practices through education and community engagement. A key example presented was the Water Civilization Museum in Morocco, which illustrates how ancient hydro-technologies, such as khettaras, have sustained communities in arid regions for centuries. This model demonstrated how traditional practices, when integrated with modern technologies, can address current water challenges while preserving cultural heritage. The event also emphasized the role of creative communication tools, including UNESCO’s Virtual Science Museum and short documentary films produced by young filmmakers, to raise awareness about sustainable water management practices. Panelists called for scaling up the initiative to enhance water sustainability education and increase public engagement, particularly among youth.
On December 9, 2024, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen organized a side event titled "Groundwater Management and Resilience" during COP16 in Riyadh. This event explored the essential role of groundwater in supporting ecosystems, agriculture, and communities, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The session brought together policymakers, scientists, and experts to discuss challenges related to groundwater depletion and explore strategies for improving monitoring systems, data collection, and capacity-building programs.
Panelists recommended establishing a global network to address groundwater resources at risk and train future generations in sustainable groundwater management. Emphasis was placed on studying water harvesting techniques and artificial groundwater recharge as key strategies to address water scarcity. Discussions also highlighted the importance of addressing the generational gap in the water sector by enhancing curricula, promoting citizen science, and leveraging modern technologies to ensure efficient water utilization.
Furthermore, participants stressed the need to incorporate social and cultural dimensions into groundwater management by fostering community engagement and integrating traditional practices into modern frameworks. These approaches were seen as vital to improving governance, ensuring sustainability, and preserving water-related cultural heritage while advancing technological solutions.
Today, as climate change accelerates the variability of rainfall and intensifies droughts, the sustainable management of groundwater is more urgent than ever. In the Arab region, for instance, most groundwater resources are non-renewable, making their careful management imperative for future generations
On December 10, 2024, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, in collaboration with the Secretariat General of the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf, organized the side event " Building Resilience to Drought through the Arab GWADI" during COP16 in Riyadh. This session focused on reviving the Arab chapter of the G-WADI network within the framework of the updated G-WADI strategy. The session emphasized strengthening regional cooperation to address drought resilience through early warning systems, water supply improvements, and nature-based solutions. Speakers highlighted the importance of integrating Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) and other tools to promote climate adaptation and drought preparedness.
Discussions focused on engaging citizens, leveraging indigenous knowledge, and empowering local initiatives to improve water resource management in arid regions. The session explored partnerships with the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience (RGPDR) and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) to align regional efforts with global frameworks.
Panelists called for strengthening capacity building, promoting data-sharing platforms, unlocking investments and funding as well as adopting scalable approaches to address water-related challenges. The updated strategy emphasized cross-border collaboration, innovative financing, and enhancing local resilience through knowledge-sharing and stakeholder participation.
At UNESCO, we firmly believe that science, collaboration, and innovation are key to building resilience. Through the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), we are committed to advancing solutions and transforming our response from reactive to proactive. Our objective is to find ways of mobilizing and leveraging UNESCO’s network of water-related institutions and expertise, particularly the Global Network on Water and Development Information for Arid Lands (G-WADI). The G-WADI was established by UNESCO IHP in 2004 to strengthen the global capacity for managing water resources in arid and semi-arid regions
UNESCO highlights the importance of oases as unique ecosystems and cultural landscapes in the fight against land degradation, desertification, and climate change. These ecosystems are vital in biodiversity conservation, water management, and safeguarding cultural heritage. By leveraging its World Heritage and Biosphere Reserves networks, which include oases, UNESCO combines traditional and scientific knowledge to transform these sites into living laboratories for conservation and sustainable development.
On December 10, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen organized the side event "Safeguarding Natural and Cultural Heritage in Oases" at COP16 to highlight the critical role of oases in maintaining ecological balance and preserving cultural heritage. It showcased best practices for sustainable oasis management, innovative approaches integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies, and strategies for incorporating natural and cultural heritage into global efforts for climate resilience, sustainable land management, and combating desertification. The event underscored the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems and fostering community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability. Participants stressed the need for stronger community engagement and policy support to protect these unique landscapes while addressing climate challenges and land degradation.
Through collaborative efforts, we can implement development projects that ensure the resilience and sustainability of oases. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we can create a future where these unique landscapes continue to thrive, benefiting both local communities and the global environment. By showcasing best practices and fostering dialogue, we aim to contribute to global strategies for climate resilience and sustainable land management
UNESCO remains committed to collaborating with governments, communities, and international organizations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and foster long-term prosperity in the Arab region and beyond. The outcomes of COP16 are pivotal in addressing global environmental challenges and advancing key objectives, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collective action in tackling today’s critical issues.
