The Arab Coordination Group (ACG), a strategic alliance of ten national and regional development institutions, is gearing up to actively participate in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ACG Pavilion Al-ULA B, No. B14, will serve as a platform for showcasing the Group’s impact and the individual efforts of its members in addressing the critical issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought, while promoting sustainable land management practices.
The joint presence of ACG at COP16 underscores the Group’s commitment to not only making financial commitments but also bringing forth innovative solutions to combat desertification and support communities affected by climate change. The Group will emphasize its support for Saudi Arabia’s leadership in transformative initiatives such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, as well as the G20 Global Land Initiative. By showcasing regional efforts that can drive global change in land restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation, the ACG aims to restore livelihoods and ecosystems on a global scale.
During COP16, the ACG is expected to make a significant pledge to enhance global land restoration and resilience efforts, which will be announced during high-level sessions such as the opening ceremony and a ministerial plenary. The ACG Pavilion in the Blue Zone will serve as a central hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange, where member institutions will present their pioneering projects, strategies, and financing solutions aimed at addressing desertification and promoting sustainable land use. Additionally, more than 10 side events organized by ACG institutions will engage stakeholders from around the world.
In previous years, the ACG has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change by making substantial financial commitments. At COP27, the Group announced a landmark US$24 billion commitment, followed by a deployment strategy for US$10 billion financing to accelerate the global shift to clean and renewable energy at COP28. The ACG has also pledged to allocate up to US$50 billion to help build resilient infrastructure and inclusive societies in Africa. In 2023, the Group extended approximately US$17 billion in funding to support various operations addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security.
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance comprising ten development funds that have been instrumental in providing over 12,000 development loans to more than 160 countries worldwide since its establishment in 1975. As the second-largest grouping of development finance institutes globally, ACG works tirelessly to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. The Group includes institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and others.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Arab Coordination Group as they participate in COP16 and continue their efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management practices on a global scale.
