The world is currently grappling with the consequences of climate change, and the spotlight is on the UN's bi-annual summit on desertification as it grapples with how to spend a $12 billion war chest. As temperatures soar and wildfires rage across North America and Europe, the importance of this summit cannot be overstated. The UN's Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is set to allocate funds to vulnerable countries to combat drought and land degradation, a crucial step towards ensuring global food security. The summit's primary goal is to put into action the billions of dollars pledged two years ago through projects in developing nations. This is a significant shift from the past, where initiatives to restore land and prevent drought were poorly funded and managed. The UNCCD, signed in 1992, has often been the "poor relation" among environmental treaties, but this is changing. Saudi Arabia, a petrostate that has historically blocked action on greenhouse gas emissions, is now an enthusiastic backer of the UNCCD. The kingdom has pledged hundreds of millions of dollars and is working with allies to offer larger collective pledges. The US, despite its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC, remains a member of the UNCCD. The summit's key focus is the "operationalisation" of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, a fund forged in 2024 under Saudi Arabia's leadership. This partnership aims to provide $12 billion over seven years to help 74 countries affected by drought and land degradation. However, the amount is just a fraction of what is needed, with estimates suggesting a cumulative investment of $2.6 trillion by the end of the decade. Despite this, the pledges represent a major step forward and could be a valuable addition to global environmental funding. The private sector is also being encouraged to play a role, with food companies and textile makers, heavily reliant on water and crops, being urged to contribute. The summit's success hinges on the conversion of drought management plans into actionable projects, which could include overhauling irrigation systems, replanting with drought-resistant crops, and improving rainwater storage facilities. The Dutch nonprofit organization Commonland emphasizes the mutual benefits of funding drought and land restoration in poor countries, linking it to national security, food security, migration pressure, and supply chain resilience. As the summit unfolds, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for a positive outcome that will help mitigate the devastating effects of climate change and desertification.
