JOURNAL

Tuesday, 17 August 2026 

2nd meeting 

Effective implementation of the Convention at national, subregional and regional levels [item 2] 

(d) Development and promotion of activities for targeted capacity-building to further the implementation of the Convention   

The Committee continued its consideration of the item and began its consideration of the sub-item.  

A representative of the UNCCD secretariat made a statement.   

Statements were made by the following panellists: Ms. Wagaki Wischnewski (G20 Global Land Initiative), Mr. Muralee Thummarukudy (G20 Global Land Initiative), Mr. Daniel Tsegai (UNCCD Secretariat), and Ms. Cathrine Mutambirwa (the Global Mechanism). 

Statements were made by the following representatives: China, Montenegro, European Union, Nepal, Philippines, Guyana, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Republic of Moldova, Sudan, Türkiye, Argentina, Suriname, Cook Islands, South Africa, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Kiribati, Uganda, Djibouti, Somalia, Panama, Indonesia and Solomon Islands. 

A statement was made by a representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

Statements were made by a representative of the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Development Programme. 

A statement was made by a representative of a civil society organization on behalf of civil society organizations.   

The panellists responded to the comments made and questions posed. 

The Committee concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 2. 

3rd meeting 

Securing of additional investments and relations with financial mechanisms [item 4]  

(a) Report of the Global Environment Facility on the financing of programmes and projects concerning desertification, land degradation and drought 

The Committee began its consideration of the item and sub-item.  

A representative of the Global Environment Facility made a statement.   

Statements were made by the following representatives: European Union, Brazil, Syrian Arab Republic, Australia, South Africa, Antigua and Barbuda, Türkiye, Indonesia, Russian Federation, and Philippines. 

A statement was made by the representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

A statement was made by the representative of the United Nations Environment Programme. 

A statement was made by a representative of a civil society organization on behalf of civil society organizations.   

The representative of the Global Environment Facility responded to the comments made and questions posed. 

A statement was made by a representative of the UNCCD secretariat. 

The Committee concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 4. 

(b) Report by the Global Mechanism on progress made in the mobilization of resources for the implementation of the Convention and matters relating to Sustainable Development Goal 15.3, and the facilitation of involvement of the private sector. 

The Committee viewed a pre-recorded video message by the Managing Director of the Global Mechanism. 

Statements were made by the following panellists: His Excellency Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ki-Hyung Park, Research Scientist and Forestry Research Officer of Korea Forest Service, Ms. Oyun Sanjaasuren, Senior Advisor of the Green Climate Fund, Ms. Victoria Crawford, Director of Agriculture and Food of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Mr. Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Division Manager of Climate and Environment Finance at the African Development Bank, Mr. Valentin Aich, Senior Water and Climate Specialist at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and a representative of the Global Mechanism. 

The Committee concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 4. 

1st meeting

Opening of the seventeenth session of the Committee on Science and Technology

The seventeenth session of the Committee on Science and Technology was opened by the Chair of the Committee, who delivered an opening statement.

Welcoming remarks were made by Ms. Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

Statements were made by the representatives of Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), Indonesia (on behalf of the Regional Implementation Annex for Asia (Annex II)), the Republic of Moldova (on behalf of the Regional Implementation Annex for Central and Eastern Europe (Annex V)) and Uzbekistan (on behalf of the Interregional Group Central Asia-Russia).

Organizational matters [item 1]

(a) Adoption of the agenda and organization of work

The Committee began its consideration of the item. The Chair recalled that, at its opening meeting, the Conference of the Parties had allocated to CST 17 the deferred CRIC 23 agenda item 5, “Consideration of priorities for science-policy guidance”, together with document ICCD/CRIC(23)/7, and proposed that the matter be considered in conjunction with sub-item (b) of agenda item 2.

Statements were made by the representatives of the Russian Federation, the European Union and Australia. A further statement was made by the representative of Brazil.

The Committee adopted the provisional agenda without agenda item 2 and its sub-items (a) and (b), and deferred the adoption of that agenda item to a later stage on the understanding that additional consultations would take place.

The Committee adopted its tentative schedule of work as orally revised. It decided to consider agenda item 4 during its second meeting on Tuesday, 18 August, at 3 p.m., and agenda items 5 and 6 and its sub-items (a) and (b) during its third meeting on Wednesday, 19 August, at 10 a.m.

(b) Election of officers other than the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology

The Committee was informed that the vacancy for the remaining Vice-Chair from the Group of Central and Eastern European States remained to be filled.

The Committee appointed Mr. Chay Asdak of Indonesia to serve as Rapporteur of CST17.

Establishment of the CST Contact Group and appointment of its Facilitator

The Committee established one CST Contact Group and appointed Mr. Joseph Noel of Grenada as Facilitator of the Contact Group.

Interfacing science, policy, and sharing knowledge [item 3]

(c) Synthesis report on supplementary technical guidance to support aridity and drought planning and adaptation across the Rio conventions and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Committee began its consideration of the sub-item. The UNCCD secretariat introduced the documentation. An interactive dialogue was facilitated by the Chair of the Committee.

A representative of the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security presented the key findings and recommendations of the supplementary technical guidance. Statements were made by a representative of the UNCCD; the Vice-Chair of the Committee; a member of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface; and the Director of the Watershed Organisation Trust Centre for Resilience Studies.

Statements were made by the representatives of Argentina, the European Union, China, Mongolia, Algeria, Niger, Switzerland, Kenya, Brazil, Lesotho, Uruguay, Zimbabwe, Suriname, Djibouti, the Sudan, Bangladesh and Senegal.

The panellists responded to questions and comments from the floor and delivered closing remarks. 

The Committee concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item 3(c).

The Chair announced that the consideration of sub-item 3(a), “Knowledge sharing, technology transfer and innovation” will be deferred to the second meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.

2nd meeting 

Interfacing science, policy, and sharing knowledge [item 3] 

(a) Knowledge sharing, technology transfer and innovation 

The Committee began its consideration of the sub-item. The UNCCD secretariat introduced the documentation. 

Statements were made by the representatives of Grenada, Brazil, China, Mongolia, Algeria, the Russian Federation, the European Union, Morocco, Uganda, Mexico, Japan, Kenya, Fiji, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Cambodia, South Africa, the Sudan and Switzerland, as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Asociación para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Integral (AIDER). 

The UNCCD secretariat responded to the questions and comments raised. 

The Committee concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 3. 

Future functioning of the Science-Policy Interface [item 4] 

The Committee began its consideration of the item. The UNCCD secretariat introduced the documentation and made a presentation. 

Statements were made by the representatives of Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, the European Union, South Africa, Switzerland, Kenya and Zimbabwe, as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the British Society of Soil Science. 

The UNCCD secretariat responded to the questions and comments raised. 

The Committee concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 4. 

The meeting was adjourned.

• Country Parties to the Convention, accredited Observer organizations by the COP (UN and Specialized Agencies, Intergovernmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Business and Industry Entities), Parliamentarians, Mayor, Side Event participants and Media may register to attend the sessions of UNCCD.
• The registration link for COP17 can be found here.
• In order to facilitate verification of requests for registration at the conference, all participants are required to upload a copy of their national passport and an official nomination letter confirming their capacity to attend the session.
• Participants are also required to upload a standard passport photo to accelerate on-site registration and badge collection.
• Please be reminded that multiple registrations for the conference are not permitted (e. g. registration as a Country Party and/or an observer organization and/or media representative). Only one registration with the corresponding conference badge can be issued to an individual at any given time. 

Conference badge collection

• Conference badge is only issued to duly registered and approved participants.
• Upon first arrival to the venue, participants are requested to proceed to the registration desk and present their passport (or nationally approved photo identification card) for badge issuance.
• Participants with valid conference badges can directly access the venue through the security and badge control, where their badges will be scanned. There is no need to stop by the registration desk unless there are any registration or badge issues.
• Participants are requested to always wear their issued conference badges in order to gain access to the conference centre.
• Kindly be aware that misuse of conference badge at all UNCCD conferences is prohibited and may lead to permanent suspension of your registration.

Registration desk opening hours

Any changes to the opening hours of the registration desk will be communicated in the Official Journal of the session.

Delegations are advised to contact Ms. Aphrodite Smagadi (+976 99204285) in Office no. 0-15.

Funding for eligible participants continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the DSA office in building C.

Delegates are kindly reminded to bring their boarding passes and passports.  

The speakers list for the three Ministerial Dialogues (24-26 August) is open to Parties and Observers to sign up their high-level representatives. Please be advised that inscription to the speakers’ list is not a guarantee of being given the floor. The speakers list will close at the end of the day on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

https://grih.info/cop17-ministerial-dialogue-intervention-request/

Need support with UNCCD national reporting or the PRAIS reporting platform?

The PRAIS Reporting Helpdesk is available throughout COP 17 in Zone C (connecting corridor next to the DSA Office).

Support is provided daily between 09:00 and 18:00.

Delegates and reporting teams are welcome to visit the Helpdesk for technical assistance and guidance related to reporting requirements and the use of PRAIS.

Inclusion Is Protection 

The United Nations maintains a strict policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) — a commitment that applies equally to persons with disabilities, who can face heightened risk and greater barriers to reporting. 

Every staff member, volunteer, and partner shares responsibility for creating accessible, safe, and respectful spaces for everyone we serve.

Stop, Prevent, Protect 

• STOP – Zero tolerance for inaction on reports of SEA 
• PREVENT – Training and accessible awareness for all personnel 
• PROTECT – Confidential, survivor-centred support with no retaliation

The UNCCD Conference App is an easy tool for participants of official UNCCD events to have access to the latest schedule of events at COP17, including official sessions and meetings, as well as side events in the Blue Zone.

The App also contains all official documents and other relevant information related to the UNCCD process and conference logistics, for COP, CST and CRIC, and allows you to receive notifications on changes. 

The App is available in Apple and Google Play store. 

Medical services will be provided throughout the event by qualified healthcare professionals, ensuring that assistance is readily available. The Medical Care Centers are  located in the (1) Registration Area , in (2) Zone A, near MET-10; and in (3) ZONE C near MET-16.

Emergency Response:

• Immediate Action: Medical vehicles will be stationed on-site to ensure a rapid response in case of emergencies.

• Coordination with Local Services: Collaboration with local emergency teams will be ensured to manage serious medical situations effectively.

• Health and Safety Standards: All procedures will adhere to the most current guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities.

• Ambulance Placement: Ambulances will be strategically located at key areas, including the Blue Zone and VIP sections, to ensure quick access to medical care.

You can find a list of Emergency Contact Numbers HERE. 

Ulaanbaatar Emergency number is 105 (reachable without a SIM card). 

Delegations are advised that wireless internet access is available throughout the venue. The network name is UNCCD-Public, and the password is unccd1706

A Computer Center is located in Area-C, providing 100 workstations and printing facilities. An ICT Helpdesk counter is also available in the same area to assist with technical support.

A link to the stream of the meetings of the COP 17 session can be found on the UN Web TV website, the COP 17 page of the UNCCD website.

Requests for inclusion in the schedule of meetings of regional and interest groups should be communicated to:

Kayhan UI ( kul [at] unccd.int (kul[at]unccd[dot]int) ) or Mahamadou Tari Bako (mbako [at] unccd.int (mbako[at]unccd[dot]int) ).

Several shuttle buses are being offered by the Government of Mongolia. The full schedule can be accessed here:

https://unccdcop17.org/

The Lost and Found service is located near the Registration area, offering convenient access near the Main Entrance.