The Summit on Desertification and Drought at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (10 May) in the Vatican brings together high-level participants, including global leaders, experts and stakeholders who are committed to addressing the severe threats of land degradation, desertification and drought (DLDD), especially in the Sahel region. The Summit provides a forum for enhancing understanding and fostering engagement around the ethical and scientific aspects of DLDD to help find sustainable solutions to these pressing environmental issues.