RIYADH — The United Nations commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership in achieving a major national environmental milestone by restoring one million hectares of degraded land. The UN noted that this accomplishment reflects an integrated approach and a strong commitment to delivering tangible change, demonstrating that land restoration is possible even in the most challenging environments. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Executive Secretary Dr. Yasmine Fouad praised the Kingdom’s leadership in adopting several international environmental initiatives, including the Middle East Green Initiative and the Global Land Initiative, as well as its presidency of the Conference of the Parties. She noted that these efforts have helped raise global ambition and strengthen collective action. Dr. Yasmine said that restoring degraded land is not merely an environmental issue, but also a developmental and humanitarian achievement that directly enhances food security, supports local economies, creates jobs, and improves the quality of life for local communities. It also contributes to addressing broader global challenges such as climate change, stability in fragile regions, and reducing displacement linked to land degradation. The UN official expressed the international organization’s appreciation for the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to advance the global environmental agenda. “This achievement is not the end of the journey but an important step on a longer path requiring sustained commitment, accelerated action, and expanded partnerships,” she said while emphasizing that land restoration represents an investment in people, stability, and a more sustainable, prosperous future for all.