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We are thrilled to announce the UNCCD COP16 Young Researchers Awards, a prestigious program recognizing innovative research addressing critical global challenges related to land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience. In alignment with UNCCD COP16’s mission, we are offering seven distinct awards of $10,000 each to support young researchers whose work exemplifies groundbreaking contributions to sustainable land management and resilience.

Each of the seven awards corresponds to one of the thematic days of UNCCD COP16, focusing on unique areas essential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Awardees will receive financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, including guidance from experts, access to key networks, and skill-building resources and activities to enhance their research impact.

Award Overview

• Land Restoration: Recognizing innovative approaches in land restoration, ecosystem regeneration, and soil health.
• Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Celebrating advances in sustainable agriculture, resilient crop research, and soil conservation.
• Equitable Land Governance: Honoring research on fair land policies, land tenure rights, and inclusive governance practices.
• Community and Youth Engagement: Highlighting research that promotes community participation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement in land-related decisions.
• Science, Technology, and Innovation: Acknowledging technology-driven research enhancing land health and resilience, including advancements in AI, blockchain, and other data management innovations.
• Resilience and Climate Adaptation: Recognizing contributions to climate resilience, drought adaptation, and sustainable land use in vulnerable areas.
• Finance and Sustainable Land Investments: Celebrating research and innovations in sustainable finance models, tools, funding mechanisms, and systems that foster investment in land restoration and drought resilience.

Eligibility

The awards are open to early-career researchers (up to age 35) engaged in original research related to one of the seven themes. Applicants must demonstrate a substantive impact on sustainable land management, climate adaptation, or community-driven solutions. Selection is based on research quality, innovation, and real-world impact, as assessed by an expert panel.

Award Benefits

Each of the seven awardees will receive a $10,000 prize to support their research or its practical application. In addition, awardees will receive mentorship, access to relevant networks, and professional development assistance to further advance their work. Winners will be flown to Saudi Arabia, where they will participate in a 5 day intensive practicum, with included accommodations, and receive their awards during a special ceremony.

Application Process and Deadline:
Applications are open to young researchers with a focus on any of the thematic areas. Details on submission requirements, deadlines, and selection criteria are available on the UNCCD COP16 website: https://www.unccdcop16.org/Scientific-Excellence-Awards. The deadline for submission is November 22, so please ensure that all required materials are submitted by this date.

The UNCCD COP16 Young Researchers Awards represent an unparalleled opportunity to support seven young leaders who are making strides toward a sustainable future. Apply now to share your work with a global audience and contribute to the critical conversation on sustainable land stewardship and resilience.

We look forward to receiving your application and learning about your contributions to sustainable land management and resilience.

Sincerely,

Dr. Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha
Deputy Minister for Environment

Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
KSA

Dr. Barron Joseph Orr
Lead Scientist

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Dr. Ayman Ghulam
Chief Executive Officer

National Center of Meteorology
KSA

Nahid Hussein

Resident Representative

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
KSA