Saudi Arabia is making significant strides on the global stage by leveraging its hosting of high-profile international conferences to enhance its soft power. The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16), currently held in Riyadh, is a testament to this growing influence. Additionally, the Kingdom’s confirmation as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, backed by unanimous applause from over 200 member federations, signals its broader ambitions.
By strategically organizing such events, Saudi Arabia is addressing pressing global challenges while simultaneously strengthening its diplomatic influence, cultural presence, and collaborative leadership. These efforts align with Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power, which is the ability of a nation to shape global preferences and actions through attraction and influence rather than coercion or force.
COP16 marks a pivotal moment as the first such conference to be hosted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a territory acutely vulnerable to desertification and land degradation. The conference theme, “Our Land. Our Future,” underscores the urgency of collective action against environmental challenges. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability, a message that resonates globally and positions the Kingdom as a crucial player in shaping international environmental policy.
The conference serves as a platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its advancements in environmental stewardship. Through engaging discussions, innovative partnerships, and sharing its unique experiences, the Kingdom is setting a precedent for future leadership roles in addressing ecological crises. By facilitating dialogue among representatives from 196 countries and the European Union, Saudi Arabia is fostering global collaboration and elevating its diplomatic stature.
COP16 provides Saudi Arabia with an opportunity to spotlight its efforts in combating environmental degradation, a pressing........