UN Desertification Chief Urges Global Action Ahead of Mongolia COP17

The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has called for stronger international cooperation on drought resilience and land restoration ahead of the next Conference of the Parties (COP17), scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in August 2026.

Speaking on regional efforts, the UNCCD chief highlighted joint projects across multiple countries in areas such as drought early warning systems. She also underlined the high-level political commitment of states in upholding the three Rio Conventions, including the Convention to Combat Desertification.

Saudi Arabia hosted the 16th session of the COP (COP16) in 2024, where the Global Drought Resilience Partnership was launched. Building on that momentum, COP17 will focus heavily on economic and social dimensions of land management, including the pledge to restore one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030.

“The next conference will emphasize concrete implementation of the Global Drought Resilience Partnership and ensure that financial resources are available for developing countries to carry out drought response projects,” she said. Mobilizing funding and forging partnerships — particularly engaging the private sector — will also be central themes.

Pastureland degradation, its restoration, and its direct link to food security will be another priority area for the upcoming talks.

Before COP17, global attention is set to turn to the high-level week of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session, which will feature a Climate Summit. The UNCCD chief said her message to world leaders is clear: *“The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification starts with the land, and we are all united in protecting it. This convention can be the source of rebuilding trust among parties and across the UN system.”