My recent participation at the UN Land Conference, officially known as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought (UNCCD) 16th Conference of Parties, was nothing short of productive and eventful.
As a UNCCD Land Hero for 2024 to 2026, I was privileged to speak on behalf of youth at various panels and events with world leaders from the public and private sectors on critical issues like land degradation, nature restoration, and climate action.
Upon arriving in the ever-evolving city of Riyadh, my first assignment proved to be both challenging and exhilarating. I was invited to appear on international news with none other than CNN’s Becky Anderson, a revered anchor and head of CNN Middle East.
As expected, Anderson posed challenging questions that brought out the best in me and my co-interviewees. Behind the scenes, we also discussed the Filipino diaspora in the Middle East.
On camera, I had the opportunity to share insights on the state of the environment in the Philippines, the challenges of dealing with vested interests that hinder land restoration, and the irony of destructive renewable energy developments within our biodiversity hotspots, including the Masungi Georeserve. I am hopeful Anderson will visit the Philippines soon to witness firsthand the land restoration efforts being undertaken by Filipinos.
Further engagements allowed me to delve into topics such as global data and knowledge sharing on land, desertification, and drought, as well as the role of youth and the private sector in fostering innovation and driving systemic change. One resounding message emerged from these discussions: The passion and stories of youth will be the driving force behind meaningful progress in these talks. After all, we have the most at stake.
Without healthy soils, we risk losing areas to grow food—a dire prospect in the face of a growing global population. Without effective land management, conflicts over resources will escalate, and peace will remain elusive. Without transitioning to organic agriculture from chemical-based practices, we will continue to exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the climate crisis. An investment in land is, therefore, an investment in biodiversity, climate action, food security, and economic growth.
Another highlight was attending the launch of the 2024 UN and International Labor Organization Report on Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The report revealed that the global shift toward a green economy could create 30 million new jobs by 2030, but this would require substantial investment in skills development.
But what exactly are these solutions? The International Union for Conservation of Nature defines NbS as "actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits." Simply put, these are nature-driven strategies to tackle issues like climate change, food security, and disaster resilience.
These green jobs span various industries, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, forest restoration, and eco-tourism—fields that demand a blend of technical expertise and environmental awareness.
Nature-based solutions are at the heart of this green job revolution. Whether it’s restoring wetlands to prevent flooding or managing forests to sequester carbon, these solutions address both environmental and economic challenges simultaneously.
What does this mean for higher education? As I shared at the recent Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation conference of college and university leaders, higher education institutions can adapt by:
1. Introducing green career pathways and specialized programs in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable development.
2. Partnering with industries and organizations working on nature-based solutions to provide real-world training and internships.
3. Equipping students with a mindset that values sustainability, innovation, and ethical decision-making.
Let us ensure that our universities are not just producing graduates but cultivating leaders who will drive the green revolution.
I am also deeply grateful to have met with the Philippine delegation, led by Dr. Gina P. Nilo of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Philippine Chargé d’Affaires to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Rommel Romato, and Assistant Secretary Mark Sultan Gervasa of the National Innovation Council.
As a UNCCD Land Hero, I look forward to collaborating with them to advance the land restoration advocacy among Filipinos both here and abroad. Alarmingly, 49 percent of Philippine lands are degraded, underscoring the need for urgent action.
The importance of land could not be more tangible, yet it remains difficult for the average person to fully grasp. Its complexity often deters government leaders from addressing these issues head-on. But sometimes, the most vital things are right in front of us—or in this case, right beneath us. I encourage more youth to work on land restoration, recognizing its opportunities and far-reaching impact in our shared home.