Saudi Arabia: Youth empowerment has emerged as a focal point at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification conference.

COP16 has highlighted innovative youth-led initiatives and addressed the systemic challenges faced by young leaders in advancing sustainable land management.

The conference, which began on Dec. 2, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s commitment to engaging its youth in tackling climate challenges. Key discussions have underscored the importance of integrating young voices into policy-making and decision-making processes.

Catalysts for change

Among the most pressing topics discussed at COP16 is the need to give young people a seat at the decision-making table.

Speaking during the lead-up to the conference, Catarina Lorenzo, a 16-year-old youth climate champion, made a passionate case for including younger generations in the shaping of solutions to the environmental crises they will inherit.

“When we bring children to the table, we also bring the voice of nature,” she explained. “Effective actions have to be made now. We want to join in the negotiation spaces, and beyond that we want to be taken seriously.”

This urgency was echoed by Jorge Leyva of the International Forestry Students’ Association, who said that while young voices were increasingly visible at global forums, their influence on actual policy decisions remained limited.

“We are the next generation, and we are not going to wait,” he said. “If we don’t have a seat at the table now, how will we know what comes next?” Leyva emphasized the frustration felt by many young leaders, who are often relegated to observation roles rather than being involved in substantive discussions.

Youth empowerment

As COP16’s host nation, Saudi Arabia has highlighted its commitment to empowering young people through initiatives such as the Green Saudi Initiative, which have mobilized thousands of young Saudis in afforestation and land restoration projects.

“Saudi Arabia is leading by example in integrating young people into the heart of its sustainability efforts,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UNCCD. “Empowering youth is essential for achieving sustainable land management. Their voices bring fresh perspectives and the drive to innovate that is indispensable for addressing the challenges we face today.”

Among the initiatives highlighted was a project by young Saudis that uses drones to plant seeds in degraded areas, blending technology with traditional land restoration techniques.

Youth-led initiatives

COP16 has also provided a platform for young leaders from across the globe to share their solutions to land degradation.

Lorenzo highlighted the unique knowledge children and youth bring to the discussion. “Children are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from floods to loss of education opportunities,” she explained. “We are the best people to talk about the impact we receive and what our communities need.”

These perspectives are not only vital but also often transformative. From using social media to raise awareness about local environmental challenges to leveraging indigenous knowledge in land management, youth-led projects have demonstrated the power of combining grassroots activism with innovative technologies.

Despite the successes, COP16 participants have pointed out significant barriers to youth involvement. Lorenzo highlighted the lack of financial support for youth-led projects, noting that only 2 percent of global philanthropic funding directly benefited children and youth.

“This needs to change,” she said.

Leyva added that young leaders often felt dismissed by older decision-makers: “They think that because we are students or maybe so young, we don’t have the knowledge to contribute. But we have a different perspective — one rooted in today’s realities and challenges, which older generations may not fully grasp.”

To address these gaps, COP16 has introduced measures to boost youth participation, including mentorship programs to develop technical expertise in sustainable land management and commitments to integrate youth perspectives into policy frameworks.

International collaboration

The conference has also facilitated cross-border knowledge sharing, with young representatives from Africa, Asia and Latin America discussing their approaches to combating land degradation.

Delegates from Burkina Faso, for example, shared how combining traditional agricultural practices with modern tools has helped build drought resilience.

“When we share our experiences and knowledge across borders, we create a stronger foundation for sustainable action,” said one delegate.

Driving tangible outcomes

In addition to its national programs, Saudi Arabia has taken a leadership role in the region by promoting youth engagement in environmental sustainability. The Kingdom’s National Afforestation Project, which aims to plant 10 billion trees, has actively involved young people in both planning and implementation.

Saudi youth delegates expressed pride in their country’s efforts and, as COP16 progresses, the focus on youth empowerment remains a key theme. For young leaders like Lorenzo and Leyva, the event represents a vital opportunity to amplify their voices and push for tangible outcomes. However, they emphasize that their participation must lead to action, not just recognition.

“Negotiators clap for our speeches,” Lorenzo noted, “but when it comes time to create resolutions, our input is often overlooked. That has to change.”

By providing a platform for young leaders to connect with global stakeholders and share their ideas, COP16 has taken an important step toward fostering intergenerational collaboration.

While significant challenges remain, the initiatives and discussions shown so far demonstrate a clear path toward building a more resilient and sustainable world — led, in part, by the energy and creativity of youth.