Groundbreaking initiative explores innovating the Desert Economy

RIYADH (ILO/ITCILO News) – In a groundbreaking initiative to foster sustainable economic growth in desert regions, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) hosted the Yellow Economy Design Sprint Workshop on 28 January in Riyadh. The event convened key stakeholders to explore innovative and viable solutions for sustainable development, livelihoods, and jobs in arid and semi-arid environments.

© ILO

© ILO

A Vision for Sustainable Desert Economies

The workshop marked the initial step in a broader dialogue on the Desert Economy, a framework encompassing economic activities linked to desert regions’ ecosystems. This initiative emphasizes sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and climate resilience, aligning with global efforts to combat desertification and promote environmental sustainability.

As noted by Mr. Peter Rademaker ILO representative, “Harnessing the potential of desert economies, including to create decent work requires collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Through this initiative, we aim to establish a comprehensive roadmap for the economic and social development of desertic regions. He then added “We chose Saudi Arabia for this first workshop as we wanted to draw upon and harness the expertise and institutions of the “Desert Kingdom” to anchor the global initiative we envisage, engaging people livening in desert economies around the world.”

© ILO

© ILO

Program Overview

The Design Sprint Workshop brought together governments, private sector representatives, researchers, development agencies, multilateral development banks, foundations, and international organizations to identify priority areas such as renewable energy, desert tourism, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management. The program utilized design-thinking methodologies, including empathy mapping, case studies, and participatory design, to co-create actionable solutions tailored to desert economies.

© GLMC

© GLMC

The outcomes of the workshop directly informed discussions at the Global Labour Market Conference (Riyadh, 29 January 2025) with reflections on how the Desert Economy can advance SDG8 in desertic regions, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of its approach.

Both events will also shape the agenda for the Desert Economy Foresight Event in June 2025, ensuring practical and inclusive strategies for addressing climate and socio-economic challenges unique to desert regions.

A Model for Regional and Global Collaboration

The workshop reflects the ILO and ITCILO’s commitment to advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation, fostering knowledge-sharing among countries with extensive desert regions. It also sets the stage for future initiatives that will support sustainable economic models and long-term international development partnerships.

As highlighted by Mr. Giuseppe Zefola, Deputy Director of Training of the ITCILO “by uniting stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we are setting the foundation for a resilient and inclusive economic future in desert regions to create actionable strategies and solutions that promote inter-sectoral collaborations and address complex challenges in a dynamic global context”. “This initiative not only aims to address the unique challenges of desert economies but also leverages their untapped potential for economic diversification and job creation,” said Mr. Stefano Merante, Head of the catalyst Initiative at the ITCILO”.

Dr. Bradley Hiller from the Islamic Development Bank introduced participants to the Just Land Transition concept, which seeks to assist land users in adapting to evolving conditions, including the adoption of resilient, climate-smart practices, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and inclusivity, leaving no one behind.

As the next phase unfolds, ILO and ITCILO together with this emerging Community of Practice will continue to refine and implement strategies that promote sustainable desert economies, ensuring that desert regions contribute meaningfully to global economic resilience, decent work and social justice.