The Opening Session of the 2024 World Bank Land Conference explored the crucial link between land tenure, governance, and climate action. A keynote and multistakeholder panel underscored how effective land management supports climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, highlighting its role in facilitating climate finance and promoting sustainable land practices. Discussions pointed to financial innovation, digital advancements, and global cooperation as key drivers enabling progress in managing the climate crisis.

The session focused on promoting transparent and accountable land governance as a crucial aspect of ensuring a just transition in climate action, drawing on diverse case studies from Kenya, Brazil, and Sierra Leone. Central themes included the intersection of anti-corruption efforts, human rights, and land governance. A detailed examination of Brazil highlighted strategies for combating corruption linked to land use and deforestation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between land governance and anti-corruption stakeholders.

The session focused on the tensions between rapid land transitions required for global climate commitments and the need for equitable, just land administration, particularly in the context of the Paris Agreement. The discussion highlighted the complexities of managing large-scale land shifts, recognizing that such transitions often generate negative consequences for vulnerable populations, especially those without formal land rights or facing intersecting social marginalizations.

The session focused on the impact of regional land policy initiatives in advancing land reforms and governance. It showcased how efforts in Africa, the Arab states, and Europe have built upon each other's experiences to drive improvements in land governance. The African Land Policy Centre (ALPC), the Arab Land Initiative (LPI), and the Working Party on Land Governance (WPLA) presented key lessons learned, emphasizing their unique strengths and how they have maintained ties with broader regional and global frameworks.

The Global Land Governance and Policy Forum brought together a diverse coalition of international stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of tenure security and land governance. This inaugural high-level event, organized at the World Bank Land Conference, aimed to amplify global efforts under the informal campaign of the ‘Global Land Agenda,’ which advocates for formal structures to support a more coordinated approach to land governance.

The session explored the crucial role of open and inclusive land governance data in advancing climate action and ensuring accountability within the framework of the Global Land Agenda. Experts from diverse international organizations emphasized the significance of comprehensive and accessible land data for informed decision-making in the context of the climate crisis.

The session explored the intersection of climate-smart land use planning with gender-equitable and socially inclusive land rights, drawing on diverse case studies and expert insights. Presentations focused on how sustainable land management can be advanced alongside efforts to ensure equitable access to land for marginalized communities, particularly women. A case study from Liberia illustrated the integration of sustainable land use practices during community formalization, showcasing how structured planning can support both environmental goals and secure land tenure.

The session focused on the transformative potential of land administration standards in advancing social, environmental, and economic objectives. It began with a discussion of the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and the Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM), showcasing their importance in the global land agenda. These models aim to provide standardized frameworks that address both formal and informal land tenure systems worldwide. The session highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder dialogue to refine these models further and ensure their relevance to diverse contexts.

The session focused on the development of an open land information infrastructure in Africa, aiming to enhance tenure security and support climate action. Bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders—including civil society, government representatives, and academics—the roundtable explored the current state of land data in Africa, highlighting the legal and technical landscapes that shape access and transparency.

The session highlighted the intersection of climate justice and land rights, focusing on the transformative potential of a women-led social contract to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly women and girls. Climate change continues to exacerbate land insecurity, disproportionately affecting women, who are estimated to constitute 80% of those displaced by climate impacts.

The session explored key land-related challenges and opportunities in the MENA region, emphasizing the links between land management, urban stability, and sustainability. It began with insights from the MENA Land Flagship Report, which highlighted the importance of women's rights to housing, land, and property as a cornerstone for equitable development. The discussion then moved to the role of vibrant cities as pillars of stability and prosperity, focusing on how effective land management contributes to sustainable urban growth.

The Regional Operational Workshop in Latin America and the Caribbean focused on advancing land administration through improved interoperability and data governance. The event was structured around three thematic sessions that highlighted regional innovations and best practices. The first session addressed the enhancement of information systems, data governance, and policy strategies for more effective land management. Presentations included Argentina’s efforts in utilizing geospatial information for sustainable territorial management, emphasizing the integration of advanced data systems.