Do you believe in the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing? Are you interested in learning and coordinating a UNCCD initiative on co-learning? Then apply to become Co-Chair of the UNCCD Communities of Learning and Practice (CLPs) on Drought Management.  What are the UNCCD CLPs? At COP 15, Parties requested that the UNCCD Secretariat encourages, supports and facilitates communities of learning and practice to pursue co-learning and collaboration for drought risk reduction and resilience capacity-building matters. As response to Decision 23/COP. 15 Paragraph 8, the UNCCD Secretariat in collaboration with GWP launched the CLPs with the mission to pursue co-learning and collaboration on drought risk reduction and resilience capacity-building issues. The CLPs are peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing and co-learning initiatives to strengthen the capacities of National Focal Points (NFPs), Science and Technology Correspondents (STCs) and other key stakeholders involved in drought management and efforts to combat desertification. A total of six CLPs have been established and are currently operational: a Global CLP and five regional communities (for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Northern Mediterranean and Central and Eastern Europe). The CLPs serve as a mechanism to promote knowledge sharing both withing and beyond the regions to help transform local experience and know-how into global insights. What do CLPs do? The UNCCD CLPs have over 300 members, representing a diversity of stakeholders including UNCCD National Focal Points, scientists, academics, policy makers and NGOs representatives.  Each CLP has its own online platform where community members can post ideas, share events and case studies, network with global and regional peers and connect directly through direct messaging. Members also benefit from various in-person events and online capacity building resources. CLPs engagement and activities include: Resource library of curated tools, scientific articles, case studies, and technical resources, such as the UNCCD Drought Toolbox.Online self-paced courses on the three pillars of integrated drought management planning (to be launched in 2025).In-person workshops and case clinics dedicated to the design and enhancement of National Drought Policies and Plans.Webinar series on drought-related topics, from land degradation neutrality to early warning systems, and women led drought initiatives.Case study call-outs to identify best management practices, innovative solutions, and lessons learned from the ground experience.Events and sessions at international conferences to increase networking among CLP members and invite new members to join.Membership directory to identify and exchange with experts in your field and region.Blogs and discussions to exchange on hot topics and burning questions as well as get advice from peers. “The community of learning and practice will allow me to improve my knowledge and technical skills on drought and desertification management. I am very happy to be among you in this beautiful community. We are all convinced that "Unity is Strength", so let's work together for a sustainable future for the land and to address the challenges related to the impacts of drought!”– Isaac Goké, UNCCD Youth Negotiator, General Directorate of Environment and Climate, Ministry of Living Environment, Transport, and Sustainable Development, Benin   CLPs impact and achievementsMobilizing hundreds of experts throughout the five continents, the CLPs have become one of the world’s largest platforms for knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning on drought management. Over the past two years, the CLPs have accomplished the following achievements:Facilitated peer-to-peer knowledge sharing by providing over 300 resources and posts in multiple languages on the CLP online platform, making knowledge more accessible to diverse communities.Supported two case clinics and three regional workshops, equipping participants to tackle political and technical challenges.Hosted five online knowledge exchange sessions on key themes related to drought resilience and sustainable land management, engaging 687 participants worldwide and enabling countries to co-develop solutions through shared learning. Opening for Co-Chair positions The UNCCD Secretariat has an opening for 12 Co-Chair positions (two per community). The CLP Co-Chairs will play a leading role in managing, coordinating and moderating the UNCCD CLPs. Working closely with the other CLP Co-Chairs and the UNCCD Secretariat, the position is central to ensuring effective collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building among CLP members. The Co-Chair will facilitate discussions, coordinate events, represent the CLP at conferences, manage content and support the strategic direction of the CLP to meet its objectives in drought resilience and sustainable management practices. Interested in applying? Please refer to the expression of interest document for details on the position and how to apply. The application deadline is 31 March 2025.

Sand and dust storms (SDS) are a normal part of the global environment. Like flooding, SDS provide a range of benefits as well as having the potential for triggering damages. Human action can increase the frequency or severity of SDS, causing unnecessary and avoidable harm to society, the economy and the environment. Recognizing that the risks and harm done by SDS can be mitigated or even prevented, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has been actively involved in improving capacities to manage this hazard. In 2022, the UNCCD, in collaboration with WMO, FAO and the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) developed the SDS Toolbox to support stakeholders in accessing information to better manage the risks posed by SDS. The SDS Toolbox built upon the SDS Compendium, a collaborative effort among multiple UN partners, to provide practical guidance on how to use the contents of the SDS Compendium and other technical resources to more effectively manage SDS. Over the last two years, there has been a notable expansion of knowledge and lessons learned on how to effectively manage SDS sources and impacts. This Technical Update of the SDS Toolbox, released during Resilience Day at UNCCD COP16, includes the following upgrades: Links to networks of experts working to understand and manage SDS, intended to improve knowledge sharing and collaboration. Access to the WMO Airborne Dust Bulletins. New case studies on SDS source management in Canada (Saskatchewan), Iceland and the United States (California and New Mexico). Detailed guidance on the use of the SDS Visualization Tool. An update on the WMO SDS-WAS monitoring and warning system. Access to public information documents about SDS.Additional examples of SDS impact management plans. An upgrade and expansion of guidance on managing SDS Sources. This includes an increase in the number of SDS source management options, accompanied by additional sustainable land use technologies. There are new search functions with more detailed descriptions for each option, including links to additional resources, providing a single source of SDS management options not previously assembled in one place. This technical upgrade of the SDS Toolbox involved experts from FAO, WMO, US Department of Agriculture, ICARDA, WOCAT, University of Saskatchewan, George Mason University, New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, California, USA.