This informal guide was prepared by the UNCCD secretariat to assist participants in making the conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, a success. The guide provides an overview of the structure, programme and agenda items of COP 17, CST 17 and CRIC 24, and practical information on how the work is carried out at the formal and informal settings. This guide is not meant to offer substantive proposals on the decisions to be made at the COP, but rather to support effective organization of work and focused discussions during the conference.