Saudi Arabia showcased its unwavering commitment to environmental restoration during the COP16 side event titled "Sharing Saudi Success Stories for Scaling Action." Jointly organized by The National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the session demonstrated the transformative power of innovation and collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals.

The event began with a keynote address by Dr. Margaret Jones Williams, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, who emphasized the need for global action in land restoration. Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking initiatives under the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) served as a beacon of hope for scaling similar efforts worldwide. From the National Greening Program, which aims to plant 10 billion trees, to the REEF Program supporting small farmers, and the NEOM project leveraging advanced technologies, each initiative highlighted Saudi Arabia's holistic approach to restoring ecosystems.

The audience, comprising stakeholders from UNCCD country parties, civil society, and the scientific community, engaged in vibrant discussions on replicating these initiatives globally. With over 35 participants, the session successfully underscored actionable strategies for large-scale land restoration, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s alignment with the COP16 agenda of restoring 1.5 billion hectares by 2030.