Theme: “Migration and Poverty”

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD) is commemorated each year on 17 June. In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly designated 17 June as "World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought". Celebrated world-wide, this day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

This year's celebration carries special significance as 2004 marks the tenth anniversary of the Convention’s implementation. Its theme also highlights the social dimensions of desertification “Migration and Poverty”.

Celebrations are set to take place worldwide. In Bonn, Germany, the home of the UNCCD Secretariat, a ceremony marking the anniversary will be held with local authorities and civil society at the Bonn City Hall on 17 June.

To request further information, such as WDCD messages from United Nations officials or press releases in additional languages, as well as past campaign, press or awareness raising materials, please contact secretariat [at] unccd.int (secretariat[at]unccd[dot]int) .

Events Around the World 2004

WDCD Events around the world 2004 

Messages

Message from the United Nations Secretary General

Message from the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biodiversity

Message from the Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

Message from Bo Kjellen-Ambassador of Sweden

PRESS Release

Press release