6 December: Governance Day

Governance Day at UNCCD COP16 highlights the importance of responsible and inclusive land governance in promoting human rights, reducing land degradation and fostering equitable development. Inclusive governance is vital to achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, particularly women and indigenous peoples. Secure, equitable access to land is foundational to human rights, food security and economic stability, making responsible land governance essential for resilient societies.

The day will showcase successful global practices in land governance, focusing on land tenure, integrated land use planning and urban-rural linkages. By sharing knowledge, strengthening legal frameworks and fostering partnerships, Governance Day aims to promote sustainable, inclusive land management that supports the needs of every community.

Event focus

1. Land tenure: Highlights secure land tenure as key to human rights and sustainable land use, emphasizing commitments to equal land access, conflict resolution and responsible investment guided by the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT)
2. Integrated land use planning: Promotes cohesive planning to balance land use demands, supporting sustainable development and helping countries meet LDN targets while addressing the needs for food, energy and environmental conservation
3. Urban-rural linkages: Focuses on strengthening urban-rural connections to reduce environmental degradation, highlighting policies for sustainable, inclusive development across urban and rural areas.

Objectives

• Knowledge exchange: Share best practices and tools to improve governance and promote data-driven policies that empower marginalized groups, such as women and indigenous communities
• Strengthen legal frameworks: Enhance governance for secure tenure, urban-rural linkages and integrated planning through shared models and capacity-building, especially in developing countries
• Mobilize partnerships and resources: Encourage innovative financing and partnerships to integrate governance into LDN projects and ensure sustainable land use.

By aligning efforts with LDN and the SDGs, Governance Day at COP16 aims to drive responsible, equitable land governance that leaves no one behind.