Empowering KSA’s soft power through global conferences

Saudi Arabia is carving out a significant role for itself on the global stage through its commitment to hosting influential international conferences. The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, known as COP16, which is currently being held in Riyadh, epitomizes this growing influence. Saudi Arabia has also now been officially confirmed as the host of the 2034 World Cup by FIFA, receiving applause from more than 200 member federations.

By strategically organizing such high-profile events, Saudi Arabia is not only addressing pressing global challenges such as land degradation and drought resilience, it is also enhancing its soft power — a vital asset for diplomatic influence and fostering international collaboration.

Soft power, a term first coined by Joseph Nye, represents a country’s ability to shape the preferences and actions of others through attraction and influence rather than coercion or force. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16, which is due to conclude on Friday, underscores its dedication to global cooperation and sustainable development, aligning closely with international aims. The conference’s theme, “Our Land. Our Future,” encapsulates the urgent need for collective action and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. By facilitating dialogue among representatives from 196 countries and the EU, Saudi Arabia is enhancing its diplomatic stature and fostering global collaboration.

COP16 marks a historic moment as the first such conference to be hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region, an area that is particularly susceptible to desertification and land degradation. Its unique positioning enables Saudi Arabia to leverage its experiences, sharing effective strategies and showcasing its commitment to combating environmental issues. The Kingdom’s cultural heritage and immense economic resources contribute to a compelling narrative that resonates with global audiences.

By hosting COP16, Saudi Arabia is enhancing its diplomatic stature and fostering global collaboration

Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed

Hosting COP16 presents Saudi Arabia with the chance to spotlight its initiatives in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth. The anticipated conversations and partnerships emanating from the conference can fortify the Kingdom’s image as a leader in facing global ecological challenges. By engaging with international partners and showcasing its advancements, Saudi Arabia can solidify its role as a pivotal member in shaping international environmental policy.

Despite the potential advantages of hosting international conferences, the Kingdom contends with significant challenges within its conference industry. Previous instances have illuminated organizational shortcomings, including vague objectives that reduce conferences to mere public relations exercises rather than fostering meaningful dialogue. A prior exploration of the Kingdom’s conference industry identified prevalent issues, noting the urgency-driven mindset that often governs planning, resulting in a lack of strategic forethought.

For example, a specialized firm that organizes more than 1,700 conferences annually faced considerable delays in acquiring licenses for events within the Kingdom, reflecting the bureaucratic obstacles that hinder industry growth. Furthermore, inadequate vision among those overseeing the industry contributes to events being treated primarily as PR ventures instead of opportunities for sincere dialogue and collaboration.

Addressing these challenges requires a shift from simply luring officials and hosting grand openings to prioritizing workshops and substantive post-panel discussions. Enhanced planning and engagement with skilled professionals will cultivate more meaningful exchanges, fostering an innovative culture within the conference sector.

A pivotal theme emerging from COP16 is the significance of effective land governance in empowering communities across the globe. My participation as chair in a distinguished panel during COP16 highlighted this crucial discussion. The interactive dialogue, titled “From Degradation to Restoration: The Power and Impact of Land Governance in Communities Worldwide,” underscored the imperative of advancing scientific and technological strategies to combat land degradation.

The urgency is palpable, as land degradation continues on a global scale; bridging the gap between scientific research and policy is imperative. Engaging various stakeholders, such as research institutions, data providers, technology developers and civil society, will be essential for initiating ambitious, scientifically informed actions pertaining to sustainable land management.

My esteemed colleagues, including Prof. Mamadou Baro from the University of Arizona, presented their insights during a panel discussion, exploring global challenges surrounding land governance. It was an honor to deliver a presentation focused on “Harnessing Social Agriculture: A Sustainable Economic Strategy for Combating Land Degradation and Promoting Ecological Restoration,” aiming to inspire actionable solutions.

The success of COP16 reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental health

Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed

Additionally, my role as chair for a distinct panel in the so-called Green Zone allowed us to delve further into the challenges and opportunities linked to global land governance. Engaging with experts, including prominent voices from academia and government, reinforced my call for unity in tackling land degradation, emphasizing the broader commitment to sustainable development.

Saudi Arabia’s role as a host for momentous international conferences, particularly COP16, represents a strategic move to bolster its soft power and assert its influence on the world arena. By addressing critical issues such as land degradation and facilitating global collaborations, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leader in environmental stewardship.

However, achieving these objectives necessitates confronting the challenges inherent in the conference industry, ensuring that events are meticulously organized, strategically focused and substantively meaningful. As Saudi Arabia continues to empower communities while spearheading global dialogues on sustainable land governance, it paves a promising path toward a future characterized by collaboration, resilience and shared responsibility.

The success of COP16 can indeed serve as a catalyst for transformative change. By reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental health, not only for its citizens but for the global community, Saudi Arabia lays a foundation for ongoing international partnerships. As we strive to meet the pressing challenges of the environment, it becomes imperative that discussions are translated into actions. Saudi Arabia’s emerging role in these conversations provides a unique opportunity to lead the way forward, melding its cultural heritage with innovative ecological strategies to confront the complex issues of our time.

In conclusion, as I reflect on my dual role as chair in both the “UN Blue Zone” and the “Host Country Green Zone” during COP16, the experience underscores the importance of dialogue, collaboration and shared vision in tackling these urgent global issues. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its soft power through meaningful engagement at global conferences can create ripples of positive change, harnessing collective efforts for a sustainable future.

• Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed is an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Biosystems Engineering. He is the author of “Agricultural Development Strategies: The Saudi Experience.”