UNCCD COP16 Riyadh 2024
In 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the Sixteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16).

The conference is

• The first conference of its kind in the Middle East.
• The largest multilateral conference ever hosted by the Kingdom.
• A landmark moment in the Convention’s 30-year history.
• A pivotal step in advancing global efforts for land restoration, combating desertification, and driving the green transition.

For an event of this magnitude, the visual identity and art direction played a central role in creating a global impact, unifying the conference’s tone, and showcasing the Kingdom’s vision for a sustainable future.

Our mission was to develop a modern visual identity and innovative art direction that reflect the spirit of the conference, transforming the concept of desertification from a global challenge into a story of hope, restoration, and growth. To achieve this, we devised a comprehensive plan spanning integrated phases:

• Research and Analysis
• Studying desertification from a visual perspective 
• Understanding the global messages of the conference
• Developing a design language with an environmental focus
• Reflecting principles into a cohesive and easily applicable visual system
• Supervising implementation to ensure consistency and excellence

1– Visual Identity Development
Our work involved designing an identity that reflects:

• Humanity’s relationship with the land
• Concepts of sustainability, resilience, and regeneration
• Saudi Arabia’s environmental diversity
• The symbolism of soil, land, and growth
• The spirit of international collaboration

With this, we developed:

• The official conference logo
• Color palette
• Visual style
• Design rhythms
• Usage guidelines
• Identity guideline

2– Art Direction Development
We created an art direction focused on:

• Blending natural elements with modern design
• Highlighting terrain shapes and desert patterns artistically
• Using motion and visual rhythm to link the identity with concepts of restoration and prosperity
• Developing a unified visual template for all digital and print applications
• Designing elements aligned with United Nations international standards

Our goal was to create a visually striking global identity that reflected the event’s scale while ensuring cohesion across all elements.

The visual identity and art direction contributed to:

• Presenting COP16 as a modern, global, and inspiring conference
• Building a strong international impression that reflects the Kingdom’s environmental leadership
• Unifying the conference’s appearance across thousands of printed materials, presentations, and digital platforms
• Supporting the UN’s message on combating desertification through a clear and impactful visual language
• Enhancing the experience of participants and visitors with a coherent and easily comprehensible visual presentation

The visual identity was more than a design; it was a complete communication system reflecting the event’s value and global significance. COP16 Riyadh 2024 became a world-class design experience, combining environmental vision, innovative artistry, and a message reaching from Riyadh to the world.

With the support of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, we contributed to making the visual identity a vital part of this historic event’s success, helping to shape a cohesive and world-class visual experience befitting its stature.