On December 10, 2024, UKH Vice President (Administration) Prof. Dr. Dana Mawlood participated in the Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, representing UKH. Experts and policymakers convened for a panel discussion titled: “Unlocking the Potential of Wastewater: An Approach Towards Circular Economy to Restore Land”. The session explored how wastewater can drive sustainable land restoration and combat desertification through innovative reuse strategies, reduced freshwater demand, and improved soil health.
As a panelist, Prof. Mawlood emphasized the pivotal role of education and research in addressing environmental challenges. He highlighted the importance of capacity-building for water service providers, fostering collaboration, and advancing wastewater reuse as a key tool for sustainable development.
The panel featured a keynote address by a representative of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and was moderated by Asa Jonsson, Head of the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance. Other speakers included representatives from Saudi National Water Company, Islamic Development Bank, and UNEP, offering diverse perspectives on policy, financing, and technical innovations.
This dynamic discussion served as a call to action for global collaboration, showcasing how circular economy principles can deliver impactful climate solutions.
What is COP16?
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Conference of the Parties (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh unites leaders from governments, the private sector, civil society, and global stakeholders to accelerate progress in sustainable land management. COP16 is a critical moment for governments and non-state actors to slow and reverse land degradation. Action at the Riyadh COP is the only way to turn the tide on the loss of fertile land globally.
