UNITAR, Islamic Bank Host COP16 Event on Agri-Partnerships

• UNITAR and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) invite COP16 attendees to the side event "Cultivating Prosperity: Agriculture Partnerships for Sustainable Development" on 7 December 2024 (6:00-7:30 p.m.) in Riyadh.
• The in-person side event will explore innovative strategies and collaborations to advance sustainable agriculture, focusing on agribusiness entrepreneurship, smallholder financing, inclusive value chain growth and cross-regional knowledge-sharing.
• The event will include a panel discussion, interactive dialogues and networking opportunities.
• COP16 registration is required to join the event.

5 December 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will hold a side event during UNCCD 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) Global Advocacy Dialogue Series: "Cultivating Prosperity: Agriculture Partnerships for Sustainable Development", on 7 December 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.) in Riyadh. The high-stakes dialogue will bring together key stakeholders to chart the course for transformative agricultural partnerships and innovative financial solutions that will shape the future of sustainable farming.

This event will be held in person and conducted in English. It is open to delegates registered to the COP16 , who have received the official COP16 invitation from the conference organizers.

In an era where agricultural sustainability stands at the crossroads of climate action and food security, this dialogue will tackle pressing challenges facing global agricultural systems. The event will spotlight groundbreaking approaches to:

• Strategic partnerships for sustainable agriculture and agribusiness entrepreneurship
• Innovative financing solutions for smallholder farmers
• Capacity-building for inclusive growth in agricultural value chains
• Knowledge-sharing and skill development initiatives across regions

Highlights of the event include:

• Panel discussions with renowned experts on sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation
• Interactive dialogues to share innovative approaches and success stories from diverse regions
• Networking opportunities with global stakeholders driving change in agricultural development

This curated dialogue aligns with COP16's core objectives of promoting sustainable land management, enhancing private sector engagement and integrating financial institutions in food systems transformation.

The session will facilitate dynamic interactions between policymakers, financial institutions, agricultural experts and development practitioners, fostering partnerships that drive sustainable agricultural development.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Advisor to the COP16 Presidency
• Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity

Panel Discussion (60 mins)

• Moderator: Mr. Nedzad Ajanovic, Lead Global Advocacy Specialist, IsDB
• Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti (TBC), Director General, Qatar Fund for Development
• Mr. Nasser Baker Al Kahtani, Executive Director, Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND)
• Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary General, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Mr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General, Regional Representative for Near East and North Africa, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR
• Mr. Hatem Jebri, Manager, Agriculture Value Chain & Water Division,The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
• Mr. Biola Kazeem Badmos, Senior Agriculture and Food Security Specialist, IsDB

Concluding Session (15 minutes)

• Open-floor discussion: Q&A audience interaction with panellists
• Closing remarks: Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity UNITAR