The recent UN talks in Saudi Arabia failed to produce a binding agreement on global drought protocols, with African countries advocating for responsibility from developed nations. A proposal for a comprehensive drought regime is set for completion at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026, while current droughts cause annual losses over $300 billion. The division between the Global South and North remains a critical issue in these negotiations.
Recent United Nations talks aimed at establishing a global framework for addressing drought have concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, without yielding a binding agreement. The discussions, occurring during the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16, highlighted the stark divide between developing nations, particularly in Africa, and their developed counterparts regarding drought protocols. Despite expressing collective resolve, African nations were unable to secure a commitment that would mandate stronger national preparedness against drought-related challenges. Consequently, a plan to finalize a global drought regime was proposed for completion at COP17 in Mongolia, scheduled for 2026.
The backdrop of this meeting encompasses ongoing global challenges associated with climate change, increasingly exacerbated by droughts driven largely by environmental degradation. Droughts currently generate economic losses exceeding $300 billion annually, with alarming projections suggesting that as much as 75 percent of the global population may experience drought impacts by the year 2050. The biennial UNCCD talks have aimed to foster robust international commitments to combat these issues, especially emphasizing the needs of vulnerable populations in developing regions.
In summary, the outcome of COP16 reflects the complexities inherent in achieving a collaborative international framework to combat drought. While progress continues toward establishing a comprehensive drought regime, the failure to agree on binding commitments indicates significant political and economic challenges ahead. As nations prepare for future discussions at COP17 in 2026, the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation remains essential for effective drought management and climate resilience.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
