On December 2, 2024, Ambassador of China to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the "China Pavilion" of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in Riyadh and delivered a speech.The full text is as follows:

Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen: 

Good afternoon!

I am delighted to attend the opening ceremony of the "China Pavilion" of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). On behalf of the Embassy of China in the KSA, I would like to warmly welcome the delegation led by Guan Zhiou, Director-General of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China for participating in COP16. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Saudi and international friends who attend the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion, care about and support China's efforts in combating desertification as well.

Desertification is a major global ecological issue, and the Chinese government places great importance on the prevention and control of desertification. We adhere to the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" , insisting on the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. Our efforts in desertification have achieved remarkable results, 53% of desertified land has been effectively restored, with "dual reductions" in desertification and sandification, and "zero growth" in land degradation. We have achieved a efficient cycle of ecological protection and livelihood improvement.At the same time, China actively engages in international cooperation on desertification prevention and control. Over the past 30 years since signing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), China has faithfully fulfilled the commitments of the Convention, actively participated in global desertification management, supported Belt and Road Initiative countries in combating desertification, shared the experience and technologies in sand control with other countries facing similar desertification issues, and provided skill training, injecting strong momentum into pursuit of green development worldwide.

Currently, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is accelerating the implementation of Vision 2030, placing desertification control as a priority in its development transformation. Saudi Arabia has launched initiatives such as the "Middle East Green Initiative" and the "Saudi Green Initiative," as well as major strategic plans like NEOM and the Red Sea Project.Saudi Arabia has significantly increased investment in renewable energy, green industries, and other sustainable development areas, and related cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia has made notable progress. Hosting COP16 reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global desertification control efforts.

Dear friends, Riyadh means "a garden of flowers and plants"in Arabic, which embodies the Saudi people's aspirations for improving the natural environment and adds a positive significance to hosting the COP16 conference in Saudi Arabia. With the support of Saudi Arabia, the Chinese delegation has, for the first time, established a national-themed pavilion at the COP, and we will carry out various activities during the conference.

We warmly welcome everyone to visit the China Pavilion for discussions, experiences sharing, and joint development efforts. Let us work together to bring more green to our planet and create more "gardens" in the world!

Thank you!