UNCCD: WHH at COP16 Side Event in Riad
Mathias Mogge, Secretary General of WHH, will join an event during COP16 in Riyadh that will highlight the value of the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) movement and demonstrate how it is addressing land degradation and improving food security
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024.
This biennial summit focuses on addressing desertification, mitigating the impacts of drought, reducing land degradation, and implementing strategies to restore degraded land.
COP16 will feature seven thematic days, including Land Day on December 4, which will focus on the critical challenge of land degradation and its significant effects on food security, biodiversity, and climate. On this day, Mathias Mogge, Secretary General of Welthungerhilfe, will participate in a panel discussion during the VACS Champions event, where he will explore the link between healthy soil and proper nutrition.
In soils, food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity converge. It nurtures our future. Soils is where zero hunger thrives.
Mathias Mogge, Secretary General of WHHWHH is a partner of the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative, bringing decades of expertise in soil restoration, fertility, and sustainable agriculture to it. It is aimed at building a resilient food system based on diverse, nutritious, and climate adapted crops cultivated in healthy, fertile soils. Launched in 2023 by the United States, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the African Union, VACS focuses on promoting sustainable land use with opportunity crops and fostering both supply and demand for a variety of crops.
SIDE EVENT AT UNCCD COP16 RIYADH
VACS Champions
Wednesday, December 4th, 2024
3:00 – 3:45 p.m. (GMT+3)
Organizers: United States Department of State
Location: Mainstage/Action Dome
Format: Roundtable/Panel Discussion
Speakers:
- Mathias Mogge, Secretary General, Welthungerhilfe
- Saad Toma, General Manager of IBM Middle East and Africa
- Natasha Santos, VP Head of Sustainability & Strategic Engagement, Bayer
- Michael van den Berg, Lead Director, ACT Fund, Common Fund for Commodities
- Jennifer Morris, Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy
Moderator:
- Ms. Diane B. Holdorf, Executive Vice President (EVP), World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Dr. Cary Fowler, US special Envoy for Global Food Security will deliver opening remarks. Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center), will wrap up the event.
