RIYADH: The empowerment of youth has become a central theme at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification conference.

COP16 has showcased innovative youth-led initiatives and addressed the systemic hurdles faced by young leaders in promoting sustainable land management. The conference, which commenced on December 2, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s dedication to involving its youth in addressing climate challenges. Key discussions have emphasized the significance of incorporating young voices into policy and decision-making processes.

Among the most pressing topics at COP16 is the necessity to include young people in decision-making. Catarina Lorenzo, a 16-year-old youth climate champion, passionately argued for the inclusion of younger generations in shaping solutions to environmental crises. “When we bring children to the table, we also bring the voice of nature,” she explained. “Effective actions must be taken now. We want to participate in negotiation spaces and be taken seriously.”

This urgency was echoed by Jorge Leyva of the International Forestry Students’ Association, who noted that while young voices are increasingly visible at global forums, their influence on actual policy decisions remains limited. “We are the next generation, and we are not going to wait,” he said. “If we don’t have a seat at the table now, how will we know what comes next?” Leyva highlighted the frustration felt by many young leaders, who are often relegated to observation roles rather than being involved in substantive discussions.

As the host nation of COP16, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment to empowering young people through initiatives like the Green Saudi Initiative, which has mobilized thousands of young Saudis in afforestation and land restoration projects. “Saudi Arabia is leading by example in integrating young people into the core of its sustainability efforts,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UNCCD. “Empowering youth is crucial for achieving sustainable land management. Their voices bring fresh perspectives and the drive to innovate that is essential for addressing today’s challenges.”

COP16 has also provided a platform for young leaders worldwide to share their solutions to land degradation. Lorenzo emphasized the unique knowledge children and youth bring to the discussion. “Children are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from floods to loss of education opportunities,” she explained. “We are the best people to talk about the impact we receive and what our communities need.”

Despite the successes, COP16 participants have identified significant barriers to youth involvement. Lorenzo highlighted the lack of financial support for youth-led projects, noting that only 2 percent of global philanthropic funding directly benefits children and youth. “This needs to change,” she said. Leyva added that young leaders often feel dismissed by older decision-makers: “They think that because we are students or maybe so young, we don’t have the knowledge to contribute. But we have a different perspective — one rooted in today’s realities and challenges, which older generations may not fully grasp.”

To address these gaps, COP16 has introduced measures to boost youth participation, including mentorship programs to develop technical expertise in sustainable land management and commitments to integrate youth perspectives into policy frameworks.

The conference has also facilitated cross-border knowledge sharing, with young representatives from Africa, Asia, and Latin America discussing their approaches to combating land degradation. Delegates from Burkina Faso, for example, shared how combining traditional agricultural practices with modern tools has helped build drought resilience. “When we share our experiences and knowledge across borders, we create a stronger foundation for sustainable action,” said one delegate.

In addition to its national programs, Saudi Arabia has taken a leadership role in the region by promoting youth engagement in environmental sustainability. The Kingdom’s National Afforestation Project, which aims to plant 10 billion trees, has actively involved young people in both planning and implementation. Saudi youth delegates expressed pride in their country’s efforts, and as COP16 progresses, the focus on youth empowerment remains a key theme. For young leaders like Lorenzo and Leyva, the event represents a vital opportunity to amplify their voices and push for tangible outcomes. However, they emphasize that their participation must lead to action, not just recognition.

“Negotiators clap for our speeches,” Lorenzo noted, “but when it comes time to create resolutions, our input is often overlooked. That has to change.” By providing a platform for young leaders to connect with global stakeholders and share their ideas, COP16 has taken an important step toward fostering intergenerational collaboration.

While significant challenges remain, the initiatives and discussions shown so far demonstrate a clear path toward building a more resilient and sustainable world — led, in part, by the energy and creativity of youth.

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