UNEP Executive Director statement on the closing of UNCCD COP17 talks

The world came to Ulaanbaatar committed to the fact that if we restore land, we can restore hope in a future where we all thrive. 

The past two weeks of talks have helped move us forward, but after the gavel has come down, it remains clear progress is still needed to tackle drought, finance and implementation of already agreed goals. 

On drought, we need both a national and global response. Countries need financial and technical support to build resilience before disaster strikes, rather than scrambling to respond during a crisis. 

But drought is a global challenge that demands a global response. By 2050, it could affect more than three-quarters of the world’s population, threatening lives, livelihoods, and food security across the world. This is not a can we can keep kicking down the drought-prone road. 

During the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, it is fitting and very welcome to see progress on rangelands. We also saw important progress on tackling Sand and Dust Storms, and UNEP will continue to support countries in addressing their impacts and strengthening resilience. 

Another area of growing importance to emerge from COP17 was the recognition of how interconnected healthy land is to peace, security, and migration. This issue is here and now and will be critical to address at the next set of talks.

UNEP looks forward to continuing our work with UNCCD and partners, supporting progress across implementation, science and integrated land, water and drought action. 

The work to restore our lands continues. And so does the hope.