The Arab League emphasized on Tuesday the critical need for coordinated Arab action to address drought and desertification, noting that 90% of the region's territory is classified as arid or hyper-arid, making it one of the world's most ecologically vulnerable areas.

The statement was issued by Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Economic Affairs Ambassador Ali Al-Malki to mark World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

Key Highlights:

1. Institutional Framework:

   • The League addresses desertification through its Environment and Meteorology Department

   • An Arab team monitors implementation of international environmental conventions

   • Regular coordination for UN biodiversity and desertification conferences

2. Recent Developments:

   • The 34th Arab Summit (Baghdad) commended outcomes of COP16 to the UNCCD hosted by Saudi Arabia (December 2023)

   • Noted strong linkages between climate change and desertification conventions

3. 2024 Observance:

   • Marked annually on June 17 per UN General Assembly Resolution 49/115 (1994)

   • This year's theme: "Restoring Land for Future Opportunities" focuses on:
     ✓ Job creation through land rehabilitation
     ✓ Enhancing food/water security
     ✓ Supporting climate action
     ✓ Boosting economic resilience

Ambassador Al-Malki stated: "The Arab region's extreme environmental vulnerability requires urgent collective action, particularly given the interconnected challenges of desertification and climate change.