BERLIN, Feb 22 (NNN-DPA) – The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the government of Mongolia, signed an agreement in Bonn, Germany, yesterday, confirming that Ulaanbaatar will host the 17th session of the Convention’s Conference of the Parties (COP17) next year.
COP17 will bring together representatives from UNCCD’s 197 Parties, in a pivotal global forum, aimed at accelerating action against desertification, land degradation, and drought.
The two-week conference will feature a high-level segment, thematic dialogues, and specialised forums, including the Gender Caucus and the first-ever Indigenous Peoples Caucus. Additionally, the Youth Forum and the Business4Land Forum will engage young leaders and the private sector, in driving sustainable land management solutions.
“The urgency of addressing desertification and drought cannot be overstated,” said UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw, at the signing ceremony in Bonn. “COP17 in Mongolia will build on the momentum from COP16 in Riyadh, to enhance global commitments, strengthen financial mechanisms, and foster cross-sector partnerships.”
According to UNCCD data, up to 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting nearly half of humanity and posing severe threats to climate stability, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Tackling land degradation is critical for ensuring food security, water availability, and resilience to climate change.– NNN-DPA
