King Mohammed VI represented at One Water Summit in Riyadh

King Mohammed VI is represented at the One Water Summit, which opened this Tuesday in Riyadh, by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch.

The summit is addressing the global scarcity of water resources and the related challenges.

The One Water Summit, held alongside the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), is an initiative led by Saudi Arabia in partnership with France, Kazakhstan, and the World Bank to discuss global water scarcity.

This edition, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and World Bank President Ajay Banga, is bringing together hundreds of policymakers, business leaders, and experts from around the world.

The event features several thematic sessions aimed at exploring best practices, showcasing the latest innovations, and reviewing progress in achieving the Initiative’s objectives as part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation for a more sustainable future.

Morocco is represented at the COP16, which runs until December 13, by a delegation from the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), led by its Director General Abderrahim Houmy.

Morocco, recognized for its active role in international fora on environmental issues, shares its wealth of experience in sustainable land management and combating desertification on this occasion. Actually, the Kingdom has initiated innovative strategies, particularly the “Forêts du Maroc 2020-2030” strategy, aimed at preserving natural resources and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable areas.

As the national focal point for the implementation of the UNCCD in Morocco, ANEF has arranged for the installation of a pavilion representing the Kingdom, which will serve as a platform to showcase Morocco’s best practices and achievements in combating desertification and managing drought. In addition, a side-event program will be organized by ANEF and its partners.

These events will highlight national accomplishments, and identify opportunities for regional and international cooperation, with a particular focus on integrating local communities, essential for the success of preservation efforts.

Through its participation in COP16, ANEF is reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to enhanced international cooperation, crucial to meet the challenges posed by desertification.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of UNCCD, COP16 is the largest UN land conference to date, and the first UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa region, which witnesses first-hand the impacts of desertification, land degradation, and drought.