The ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-9) is fast approaching. From Monday 21 September 2009, Parties will begin two weeks of intensive exchanges in Buenos Aires.

Almost two years ago, the basis for this COP was laid in Madrid when Parties adopted the ten-year strategic plan and framework for the implementation of the Convention (2008-2018). COP-9 is expected to complete the work on the “enabling environment” for cooperation in implementing the Strategy.

Parties will have before them a number of options for: reshaping the operation of the Committee on Science and Technology; the new terms of reference for the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention; improving the institutional set-up for regional coordination; the role of the Global Mechanism and its collaboration with the secretariat.

COP-9 will also consider the new framework for all Convention stakeholders to monitor, report and review progress on a number of other agenda items. These are complex and challenging issues with political and financial implications.

I am confident that this COP will take action-oriented decisions which will enable us to realize in the upcoming years maximum cooperation towards curbing desertification, reversing land degradation, mitigating the effects of drought, and advancing sustainable land management.

In an effort to facilitate your work, the secretariat has prepared a full set of documents for COP-9, in the hope that they will assist you in reaching, on a consensus basis, decisions conducive to an enhanced implementation of the Convention.

I am pleased to also introduce to you two new information packages to aid your preparations, namely, an informal guide providing an overview on the organizational matters of COP 9, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the budget, with a detailed annex 1 and annex 2. Both products are also available on the Convention website at: www.unccd.int.

The secretariat of the UNCCD remains at your service, and we are ready to provide Parties with further information that might be needed.

I look forward to welcoming you in Buenos Aires.

Luc GNACADJA