CITY, Mongolia — As the world prepares for the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 17–28 August 2026, Africa stands at a pivotal juncture.
The conference, themed “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope, “promises to reshape the discourse on land restoration, sustainable development, and economic resilience, offering Africa a unique platform to address its own pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges.
The UNCCD Executive Secretary, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, has emphasized the need for practical action over declarations, noting that the challenge now is implementation. This shift in focus is particularly relevant for Africa, where land degradation and desertification are exacerbating food insecurity and economic vulnerability.
Mongolia’s hosting of COP17 is more than a logistical event; it is a testament to the nation’s commitment to global environmental stewardship and a symbol of its growing international profile.
The parallels between Mongolia’s experiences with land degradation and those of many African countries are striking, underscoring the continent’s relevance in the global conversation on land restoration.
The conference is expected to draw delegates from all 197 Parties to the UNCCD, as well as ministers, scientists, business leaders, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, youth organizations, development partners, and civil society. This diverse group will aim to address the critical challenge of restoring degraded land while fostering resilient economies and secure livelihoods. Africa’s participation in COP17 is not just about learning from the experiences of others; it is about showcasing the continent’s own strategies and successes in land restoration.
The event could serve as a springboard for African nations to secure the necessary financing and international support for their land restoration initiatives.
The cost of inaction is stark: land degradation already costs the global economy nearly US$900 billion annually, with drought contributing an additional US$300 billion. For African governments, investing in land restoration is an investment in economic resilience, food security, water security, and sustainable development.
As Africa prepares for COP17, the continent must be ready to engage actively and strategically, leveraging the conference to advance its agenda on land restoration and sustainable development.
The outcomes of this international gathering will have far — reaching implications for Africa’s future, and the continent must approach it with a clear agenda and a commitment to collaboration and partnership.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
