UfM At UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh

3-5 December 2024, Riyadh – In arid and semi-arid regions, the interconnectedness of water, food, and energy systems, known as the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus, presents unique and critical challenges for sustainable development. These regions face heightened pressures due to scarce water resources, fluctuating food production, and the high-energy demands required for water extraction and agricultural activities. As population growth and economic development strain these interconnected systems, there is a critical need for integrated strategies that optimize resource use, minimize trade-offs, and enhance resilience. This panel aims to explore innovative approaches, policies, and technologies for managing the water-food- energy nexus, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and identifying synergies to address the intertwined challenges of water security, food production, and energy acces

At the UNCCD COP16 in Riyad, the UfM will organise the following panels:

Strategies for Managing the Water-Food-Energy- Ecosystems Nexus in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: UNCCD COP 16, Riyadh – 14:30-15:30 (KSA time) – December 3^rd, 2024, Green Zone / This panel will address the complexities of the water- food-energy nexus in arid and semi-arid regions including the Mediterranean region, and explores strategies for effective management and resilience building. Global leaders and high-level stakeholders will discuss innovative approaches, tools, and technologies for navigating the complexity of the nexus and achieving sustainability goals.

Financing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus to combat desertification, drought and land degradation: ICESCO’s pavilion, Blue Zone, December 4, 2024, from 12:00pm (noon) to 1:30pm / The panel will be hosted at ICESCO’s pavilion and co-organized by ICESCO, the UfM, and the IOFS. It will gather leaders and experts who will address the challenges and opportunities of the water-food-energy-ecosystem nexus in arid and semi-arid regions, including the Mediterranean region, and explores strategies for financing of WEFE projects and investments and achieving sustainable goals.

Gender Dynamics & the WEFE Nexus in Combatting Desertification in the Arab and Mediterranean Regions: ICESCO Pavilion, Blue Zone, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, December 5^th, 2024 / Desertification is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the Arab and Mediterranean regions, where the impacts of climate change, resource depletion, and land degradation are particularly severe. Women, who are key actors in managing natural resources like water, energy, and food, are disproportionately affected by these challenges, yet their roles in decision-making and policy formulation are often overlooked.